With the warmer weather of summer come lots of fun outdoor activities like going out to your local pool or hitting the hiking trails. But, the change of season can also trigger a time of seasonal allergies for many people. In addition, if you struggle with asthma, these allergies can severely aggravate your condition.
Asthma is a condition where your airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and can cause other symptoms like wheezing, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Allergies are often the root cause of asthma.
At NewMed Immediate Care with office locations in the Rolling Hills, Illinois, area, our team led by Ruchir Thakker, DO, helps people to manage their asthma — especially during times where symptoms may worsen, like summertime. In this blog, we discuss more about how summertime allergies can trigger your asthma and how to effectively manage it.
Allergies happen when your body’s immune system sees a particular substance that’s typically harmless as something that’s trying to hurt you. Your body then releases histamine, which causes those telltale allergy symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Unfortunately, when you have asthma, these same allergens can cause your airways to narrow and bring on asthma attacks, typically in addition to all those other allergy symptoms.
Common seasonal allergens that can worsen these symptoms include pollen from trees and grasses, smog, mold, and dust mites.
There is no cure for asthma, but, thankfully, at NewMed Immediate Care, Dr. Thakker offers many ways to help manage your symptoms. Some of the treatments we offer include rescue inhalers, ipratropium, oral corticosteroids, and intubation in severe cases.
There are other things you can do on your own to manage your asthma during the summer. Here’s four things that we suggest trying to keep those allergic reactions at bay:
You also need to make sure that your asthma action plan is in place. If you don’t have one, come and meet with Dr. Thakker so he can customize one for you.
If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies and asthma this summer, don’t hesitate to come in and see our team for excellent care. We offer both primary and urgent care for when you need to see a provider.
To book an appointment with our primary care team for your asthma, you can contact us by giving us a call or by using our online scheduler. If your asthma requires urgent care, you can simply walk in for an appointment.
