Many people find that their asthma worsens with certain atmospheric changes or weather conditions. Common weather-triggers include:
- Cold air and low humidity
- Hot air and high humidity
- Wind, which carries allergens
- A build-up of air pollutants brought on by inversion (non-moving air)
- Light rains, which bring on plant and grass growth without adequately washing away pollens
- Changes in barometric pressure. Asthma reactions are possibly due to rapid temperature fluctuations.
Obviously, you can't change the weather. But you can limit your exposure to it.
- Stay indoors (with the windows closed) as much as possible on days when weather-triggers are present.
- If you must go outside on cold days, cover your nose and mouth with a scarf or cold weather mask.
- Keep asthma-relief medications close at hand. Keep them warm for best effect.
- If directed by your healthcare provider, make asthma medications part of your prevention plan.
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