Spring brings a bounty of blooms, green grass and beautiful weather. For an increasing number of Americans that suffer from allergies and asthma, it also brings wheezing, sneezing and asthma attacks.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that nasal allergies affect more than 50 million Americans, and allergic disease, including asthma, is the third most common chronic disease in children younger than 18 years of age.
According to the most recent numbers from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 25 million people had asthma in 2009 compared to 20 million in 2001. Additionally, 70 percent of asthmatics have allergies, which means that spring is ripe for respiratory issues.
And for much of the U.S., spring allergies have arrived early in 2016.
"We have been seeing tons of tree pollen for several weeks now," said Dr. Randy Young, director of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. "A lot of the people we are seeing usually don't get hit by this until later in the spring."
Dr. Young says that use of over-the-counter medications will suffice for most people, but for those with severe allergies and asthma, prevention is key to a controlling symptoms. He suggests engaging in outdoor activities in the morning or evening -- winds tend to be stronger midday, which means more pollen is in the air.
According to Dr. Young, taking a shower and changing clothes after being outdoors is an important step, too, because pollen and other allergens can cling to clothing and the skin.
Doctors still are unclear why some people develop allergies and others do not, and why some things trigger allergies and some don't.
"It is a complex phenomenon that involves hereditary factors as well as the environment," Dr. Young says. "Different people are more sensitive to different things."
Follow these easy tips from The Healthy Path Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to reducing childhood epidemics by addressing environmental and nutritional factors
1. Know your triggers
Figure out the factors that trigger your asthma so you can tailor your lifestyle around them. Certain triggers may cause such a severe attack that you need to steer clear of them altogether, so it is important to know how badly you react to each one.
2. Plan ahead
Look up the pollen count before you step outside so you can plan your day accordingly. If the count is going to be high, consider staying indoors whenever possible (especially while exercising).
3. Keep it clean
Thoroughly clean your living area in order to rid your home of any potential triggers. Opt for green household products and cleaners, regularly dust and vacuum, use mattress protectors, and use quality air filters to protect the air you breathe. If your floors are carpeted, make sure to clean them thoroughly and often as carpet tends to harbor dust mites, pollen, and mold.
4. Alter your diet
For some, a change in eating habits can help relieve asthma symptoms. Some people need to avoid gluten while others may choose to forego dairy products to help keep their condition at bay.
5. Always carry reinforcements
Especially during asthma and allergy season, always carry the necessary tools that keep you wheeze-free. Your inhaler should be readily accessible for emergencies, but also carry a supply of antihistamines just in case. It is also recommended to keep tissues and sanitizer handy in order to prevent spreading germs to others.
Source → 5 tips to breathe easy this spring
