Here are our top tips to manage your asthma during summer.
1. Avoid allergens like sand storms
Stand storms carry dust and air pollutants, which can worsen symptoms of asthma. Minerals such as quartz can be found in the desert and it triggers inflammation. Fever and exposure to dust can also irritate the eyes and nose. To avoid these problems, stay indoors, wear a mask over your nose and mouth outdoors, and use petroleum jelly to moisten nostrils.
2. Clean your AC ducts before summer starts
A simple vacuuming of your vents isn’t enough. You need to get rid of any mold in your AC ducts well before the start of summer. If there is a lot of mold in your air ducts, then consider replacing all the duct materials instead of just cleaning.
3. Avoid petting animals
Animal fur isn’t the only issue. People are allergic to the proteins found in animals such as animal dander (skin flakes), animal saliva and animal urine. All of these can trigger asthma. Some people may also be allergic to birds.
4. Stay away from strong smells like perfumes
Strong smells aren’t visible like dust mites, pollen or mold. They can simply trigger asthma or cause a headache. Some smells include perfume, deodorant, nail polish, paint fumes, cologne, after shave and air fresheners.
5. Avoid smoking inhalation and shisha
Smoke can cause discomfort in the lung area, which can result in asthma. Those who don’t suffer from asthma can also experience irritation to the lining of the nasal pathways, throat and mouth. According to the WHO, shisha is much more harmful than cigarette smoking or pipe smoking. Second-hand shisha smoke can be even more risky to the body. The water inside the water pipe doesn’t filter the smoke, but it does soak up the nicotine.
6. Keep medicines with you at all the times
Doctors in the region advise asthma patients to follow their asthma action plan and to follow up with their doctors if they are unsure on how to use their medication. To avoid an asthma attack, health professionals encourage asthma patients to carry their medicines at all times and even while travelling.
