I live in Michigan, where the weather has a complete mind of its own with a serious attitude problem.
It can go from 55 to 75 overnight, leaving people with a cold, allergy flare-ups, and for people who have asthma, like me, asthma flare-ups.
I’ve had asthma ever since I was small, and mine primarily begins to act up when the weather begins to transition into hot or cold, in dusty environments, or when I exercise.
Strangely enough, I’m a fan of the cold. That usually shocks people, but for a couple of my fellow asthmatics out there, you understand why. The hotter it gets, the more difficult it is for me to breathe in the summer.
When it’s 80-plus degrees outside, and I take that first step from my air-conditioned house to go sit in my car, it feels like I’m suffocating.
I reach for my inhaler in the summer much more frequently than I ever have in the winter.
Here are some tips from one asthmatic to another on what to watch out for this spring and summer.
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Yes, it sounds simple enough, but depending upon where you are, humidity and hot weather make it very difficult for people with asthma to breathe, unlike in dry, hot places.
Make sure you do your best to stay cool, keep your inhaler with you, and avoid spending extensive time outside.
Before I have an attack, I can feel it coming. I begin to get very fatigued, short of breath, and I get bags under my eyes. While some attacks are random, a lot of them show a sign or two before they just bombard you.
Pay attention to your body, and if you start to feel off, just keep your inhaler on you or whatever you have been prescribed, and take it when you need it.
It never hurts to also do a breathing treatment, maybe once a week or every other week, especially when you are showing symptoms. Better to be safe than sorry.
Exercising is great, but be wary of when you do it and of the weather. For those of you who like to go on runs or walks, try doing it early in the morning before the sun peaks or after it goes down.
Both are times when it is cooler and easier on the breath. This is especially great for those who have exercise-induced asthma. Keep your inhaler with you!
Depending on where you live, the weather can indicate an extreme heatwave and issue a heatwave warning, advising people to stay indoors.
People who have asthma – listen! Again, it is very hard for people with asthma to breathe when it is not just hot, but humid too. That might be a day to stay indoors, or just make sure you stay in a climate-controlled area.
Allergies are something altogether different you have to tackle, but if you have allergies and asthma, it’s a special game you have to play. The summer is full of pollen, dust, and other things that can trigger an asthma attack. Have your inhaler and your EpiPen, just in case!
These are some of my best tips for summer weather and what to be cautious about for people with asthma. Have a fun spring and summer, just remember to take care of yourself!
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