Can Asthma Symptoms Get Worse During Summer?

Over 25 million Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 8% of the population. For some, asthma is a minor problem, noticeable, but without symptoms that interfere with their lives. 

For others, asthma creates serious and even life-threatening consequences. It’s a condition that varies widely between patients. Everyone with asthma has their unique experiences. 

That’s why the summer is a time of relief for some and a season of greater care for others. As specialists in asthma care, we at Refresh Wellness partner with our clients to provide effective, leading-edge asthma management. Summers in Texas get hot, so if this triggers asthma attacks for you, we can help you cope more easily. 

Seasonal asthma

The factors that cause flare-ups vary widely between asthma patients. Summer can be a difficult time for some, while others suffer more in cold and damp conditions. It all comes down to your individual situation. Those with summer-sensitive asthma experience the same symptoms, including: 

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing during exhales
• Feelings of discomfort, pain, or tightness in the chest
• Increased flare-ups in certain weather or environmental conditions
• Quick-relief inhaler use increases
• Peak flow meter results drop off

When your symptoms become severe enough to interfere with sleep or daily tasks, asthma is a problem that needs attention. Let’s look at how summer conditions can affect you. 

How the summer affects asthma

Heat and humidity can be, in moderation, beneficial for some asthmatics, though usually low humidity and temperatures around 70 degrees is the best environmental condition. An unrelenting Texas summer is another level entirely and one that often makes breathing difficult for everyone. The average summer temperature in Garland typically hovers around 88 degrees

Summer weather holds plenty of asthma triggers. Other common causes of asthma flare-ups include: 

• Pollen from grass, ragweed, and trees
• Airborne dust
• Smoke 
• Environmental pollution
• Thunderstorms

Environmental conditions aren’t the only summertime asthma issue. Activities often move outdoors, to the baseball diamonds and the beach, and exercise-induced asthma could result in attacks. Exercise triggers could affect as many as 90% of those with asthma. Swimming, though, is usually a great activity for asthmatics though chlorine in pools may be a trigger for some. 

While the Fourth of July is a typical high point of summer, there are a few related triggers that may temper an asthmatic’s excitement. Fireworks displays can add high concentrations of particulate matter and smoke into local areas. These may have the same effect as smoke from campfires. Wildfire smoke from hundreds of miles away can also produce difficult breathing conditions for those with asthma. 

It’s important to stay flexible and prepared for changing conditions with any asthma management plan. Contact Refresh Wellness to establish or update your plan for the summer. You can reach our office by phone or online to schedule your appointment today.