Asthma in spring: symptoms, treatment & tips

What is allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is a form of asthma that is triggered by allergic reactions to certain substances, such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander or house dust mites. When a person with asthma is exposed to these allergens, their immune system overreacts, leading to inflammation in the bronchial tubes. The inflammation causes swelling of the bronchial mucosa and increases the sensitivity of the bronchial tubes to other stimuli such as cold, smoke or strenuous physical activity. In addition, the inflammation leads to increased production of mucus, which can block the airways. The constriction of the bronchial tubes caused by asthma makes it difficult for air to flow through the airways, resulting in breathlessness. Asthmatics experience a feeling of tightness in the chest, which can be accompanied by coughing and wheezing. This condition is known as an asthma attack.

In the long term, the repeated inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes in people with asthma can lead to a permanent change in the bronchial wall, which is known as remodeling. This remodeling can lead to a chronic restriction of airway function, even between asthma attacks. Asthma treatment therefore aims to control inflammation, dilate the bronchial tubes and relieve symptoms in order to prevent asthma attacks and improve the quality of life of those affected.

What are the symptoms of allergic asthma?

The symptoms of allergic asthma can vary and differ in severity from person to person. While some people only experience the effects occasionally, others suffer from constant symptoms and asthma attacks - especially when they are exposed to certain allergens. If you only experience shortness of breath and irritating coughs in spring, you are probably suffering from allergy-induced asthma. This is primarily triggered by pollen, which is particularly prevalent in spring.

Typical symptoms of allergic asthma or an asthma attack are: Inflammation and constriction of the airways, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing as well as increased mucus production. The symptoms are similar to those of hay fever. However, while hay fever is primarily a nuisance, asthma can become life-threatening and should definitely be treated.

Asthma is also characterized by hypersensitivity to certain triggers. If you notice other symptoms in addition to breathlessness and coughing, you should definitely have your symptoms checked out by a doctor. Look out for persistent respiratory infections, wheezing, permanent fatigue, tiredness and shortness of breath during exertion or even at rest. Other signs of allergic asthma are: a feeling of tightness or pain in the chest and repeated bronchitis.

How is spring asthma diagnosed?

Consult a specialist, ideally a specialized pulmonologist, and get a diagnosis. They can clarify how to treat your asthma cough. In addition to taking a medical history or analyzing your medical history, he or she will determine your lung volume and airflow velocity using spirometry (lung function test). Spirometry can also be used to check the success of your treatment. Another method is to use a peak flow meter. Using the therapy control device, you can determine the extent of your airway constriction and the airflow velocity yourself.

Why does allergic asthma occur more frequently in spring?

There are several reasons why people may suffer from asthma attacks more frequently in spring, for example:

1. Pollen: Many plants bloom in spring, which leads to an increase in pollen in the air. Pollen is a known trigger for asthma attacks in people who suffer from pollen allergies. The increased exposure to pollen in spring can therefore lead to increased asthma attacks.
2. Weather changes: Changes in the weather in spring, such as sudden temperature changes, high humidity or strongly changing weather conditions, can trigger asthma attacks.
3. Changes in air quality: The spring season can also be accompanied by an increase in air pollution, whether from seasonal forest fires, agricultural activities or increased traffic. Deteriorating air quality can trigger or exacerbate asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.
4. Outdoor activities: The beautiful spring weather attracts many people outside, whether it's for sports, hiking or gardening. The increased physical activity and increased contact with pollen can cause breathing difficulties, especially if people are exposed to allergic triggers such as pollen or pollutants.
5. Spring cleaning: During the spring season, many people deep clean their homes. This can lead to increased exposure to dust, mold and other allergens that can trigger asthma attacks.

What helps against asthma in spring?

Unfortunately, seasonal asthma cannot be cured. Rather, it is a chronic disease that can recur. However, with the right measures, you can extend the periods without symptoms and reduce the severity of asthma attacks.

The treatment of allergic asthma often involves avoiding allergens that can be triggers. Acute asthma symptoms often trigger respiratory infections and weaken the immune system. This is why antibiotic treatment is usually administered during an attack. Prepare for the pollen season and start treatment at least 2 to 3 weeks before the start of spring. This is because anti-inflammatory cortisone has a delayed effect. To prevent periodic asthma, you therefore need to start treatment before the pollen count and build up a buffer, so to speak.

Relievers or asthma sprays are used to combat acute asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and chesty coughs. These situational medications temporarily dilate the bronchial tubes and alleviate the symptoms. Asthma medication for long-term use, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, are also used to control symptoms and reduce inflammation in the airways. These so-called controllers are used as a preventative measure for asthma symptoms that occur several times a week. They weaken the symptoms and help against bronchial constriction, inflammation of the airways, mucus and coughing. These are mainly cortisone sprays whose active ingredients are inhaled either in the form of metered dose inhalers or as a powder. 

In some cases, allergen-specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) can also provide relief by desensitizing the patient's immune system to certain allergens and thus reducing reactions. You can also use special breathing techniques and behaviors in emergency situations to help: for example, diaphragmatic breathing, lip braking, breathing stimulus grip and certain postures that promote breathing. As part of asthma training, you can learn these techniques as well as the dosage and use of your asthma spray - ask your doctor for advice. 

If you suspect that you suffer from seasonal asthma, you should do the following before the start of spring:

• Check with your doctor whether you have an allergy or allergic asthma.
• Discuss the treatment plan (type of medication, use of inhaler) with your doctor.
• Deal with possible signs of an asthma attack & learn to assess the reaction of the airways.
• Practice various breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to relax yourself and your lungs in the event of an asthma attack.
• Refrain from smoking.
• Avoid pollen as much as possible, e.g. by using pollen screens and air filters.
• Check the room air with an air measuring device and only ventilate as required.
• Strengthen your airways by doing moderate exercise.

The role of air monitors in controlling asthma symptoms

An air monitor such as the air-Q can support asthmatics in various ways and help to control their symptoms. Primarily, the air monitor detects various airborne pollutants such as particulates, allergens, elevated humidity levels indicative of mold spores, chemical vapors and other pollutants. By monitoring air quality, you can identify potential triggers and take action to minimize exposure. As the air-Q measures the air components in real time and therefore informs you of changes in air quality at an early stage, you can use the air measuring device as an early warning system. This allows you to take appropriate action if necessary, such as activating your air filter, closing windows or leaving rooms with poor air quality. By regularly monitoring the air quality, you can also optimize the indoor climate by using air purifiers, humidifiers or other devices depending on the situation and having them controlled by the Smarthome-enabled air-Q.

All of these factors, in combination or individually, can affect people with asthma and lead to increased breathing problems in spring. It is important that you, as a sufferer, carefully monitor your symptoms during this time and adjust your treatment plans accordingly. Ideally, you will be able to avoid asthma attacks or at least control them more effectively and significantly improve your quality of life.

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