Tips to Control Asthma During the Rainy Season

The cold breeze and water droplets on a scorching summer day provide relief and bring joy. However, for people with asthma, rapid shifts in the weather might be difficult. When COVID-19 is combined with seasonal variations, the situation for these individuals may worsen. Therefore, it’s imperative that they take preventative action to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses.  Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways of a person become narrow, inflamed, and swollen, and many produce extra mucus, blocking the airway. Some people experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a slight annoyance as a result. Changes in the environment and weather patterns put patients with allergies at a higher risk of experiencing allergic reactions. 

During the rainy season, asthma can get worse because of dust, moisture, and changes in weather. Dr. Sheetu Singh advises keeping your surroundings dry and clean to avoid dust mites and mold. When it’s pouring or humid outside, try to stay indoors, and if you must go outside, use a mask. Always remember to bring your inhaler and take your medications on schedule. Avoid strong smoke and smells, and keep your windows closed during heavy rains to reduce moisture inside. You may better control your asthma and stay safe during the rainy season by adhering to these easy guidelines from Dr. Sheetu Singh.

Cough Specialist, Chest Specialist, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Asthma Specialist, Lung Specialist

Asthma Triggers in Monsoon 

As the monsoon invites vegetation, it fosters bacterial and viral growth that can cause infections in asthmatic patients. The increased humidity brought on by the rainfall gives the air a musty smell. In addition to causing indoor air pollution, these factors aggravate the respiratory symptoms of asthma, such as frequent coughing and wheezing. 

The rainy season is a perfect time for several organisms to grow, such as bugs, insects, pathogens, plants, etc. Further, Asthma sufferers find it difficult to breathe because of the precipitation of chemicals like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide caused by humidity. Eventually, as a result, asthma episodes occur. Furthermore, an invasion may also be triggered by an increase in pollen grains in the atmosphere. 

These people may experience an attack due to allergies brought on by germs and viruses during the monsoon season. Poor air quality exposure can also result in headaches, exhaustion, colds, flu, and eye, throat, and nose discomfort. 

Tips to Control Asthma During Monsoon 

• Wash carpets, bedsheets, and pillow covers with warm water to remove dust.
• Clean damp places like washrooms and bathrooms with detergents, disinfectants, and bleach.
• Pets should not be kept in bedrooms since their dander and urine can cause asthma problems. 
• To prevent dust and other air pollutants from entering the body, cover your face while going out.
• Preferably, spray the air conditioner in the room to create the right and pleasant atmosphere.
• Clean the air conditioner filters to control the interior atmosphere because mold and mites thrive in damp environments. To combat mildew growth, make sure areas like the kitchen and bathroom have enough airflow. 
• Rooms with enough ventilation and sunlight exposure can inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Additionally, it is important to keep plants outside the rooms on rainy days.
• Don’t forget to take your prescription drugs. Don’t use inhalers needlessly. Make use of them when required.
• Eat a balanced diet and consume warm drinks. This will strengthen the immune system’s defenses against infections. Because they have antibacterial qualities, include turmeric, garlic, ginger, pepper, and honey in your regular diet.
• Do breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga daily to improve breathing problems.
• Keep the kitchen, room, and bathrooms dry to prevent moisture from entering the house.
• To keep the area dust-free, use blinds and window shades rather than curtains.
• Avoid being outside when it rains because different bacteria and viruses can infiltrate the environment and cause illnesses like the flu and cold.