Asthma and weather
The weather and the environment plays an important role in asthma attacks. Though, there is no one single best weather climate for people with asthma and asthmatic symptoms and conditions, certain type of weather may induce asthmatic symptoms earlier. There has been considerable research done in this field in several Universities like Harvard, in conclusions it had been found that temperature influences asthma more than any other enivironmental or weather factor, though other factors like pollens and seasons had an effect on the severity of asthmatic symptoms.
According to the research, in many cases the dry air, stormy weather, thunderstorms, pollen grains can all act as the trigger for asthma conditions. Some weather situations like extremely hot or cold temperatures, changes in barometric pressure or humidity, air quality and wind can trigger your asthma. In general it has also been found that damp weather conditions also have effect on asthma and trigger your asthma symptoms.
It has been also suggested that there are links between asthma attacks and levels of air pollution, particularly ozone, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, which is affected by the weather, though the association is controversial. Yet, we recommend that as an asthmatic you should avoid or risk less exposure to the fumes from the petrol and diesel vehicles, and smoke, particulary during weather and climate changes. If you are having a pet, weather conditions and change in weather can affect them and in turn worsen your asthmatic conditions, like in the case of dogs or cats, which shed more hair in certain weather seasons.
Thunderstorms and Asthma
In large parts of UK and Australia especially, there had been an increase in asthma attacks with thunderstorms. A number of studies, which have been since then conducted have suggested that in late spring, thunderstorms or a drop in temperature is followed by an increase in attendance at hospitals with asthma. But, further research has suggested that this was related to rye grass pollen. Normally too large to reach the lungs, these grains get broken up by raindrops releasing hundreds of tiny allergen-containing particles from each grain. These grains then are able to penetrate the lungs and worsen asthmatc conditions.
Asthma and Winter
Winter season is the time to be particularly careful if you are suffering from asthma. In winter time make sure you are wearing your gloves, scarves, hats and whatever else you can to keep yourself warm. During the winter season also ensure you don't have damp floors or are wearing damp clothes. A scarf is highly recommended because it will prevent the dry air in the cold weather from entering your nose and mouth. If you are indoors avoid using stoves and fireplaces, which produce smoke. An influenza vaccine is also a good idea during the winter seasons and the cold weather. Also, make sure you have your asthma medications handy. During this time it's also a good idea to follow a few of our natural remedies for asthma.