READING, Pa. – Every year, summer turns to fall, and with the start of leaves changing their color comes the start of seasonal allergies.
“…due to pollen and mold spores, especially on those windy days,” explained Jen Mahone, system director of respiratory care at Reading Hospital.
Alongside worsening asthma symptoms.
“Fall is definitely peak season for asthma,” said Mahone.
Mahone says the hospital sees an increase in asthma-related patients around this time of year.
“As we go into fall, that cold, crisp, dry air can be irritating to sensitive airways,” she said.
Mahone says common fall activities like bonfires can add more irritants into the air. She says if you have asthma, plan outdoor activities on days with lower pollen.
“Also, moving yourself away from those irritants, you know, going inside if you can,” said Mahone.
But even inside your home, indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander can make symptoms worse.
“Prior to turning on your heat, you want to make sure that your furnace is clean and get those filters replaced,” said Mahone.
Mahone says the best way to stay safe is to always have your asthma medication on hand and to have regular checkups with your doctor, so that you can build an accurate asthma plan for your symptoms.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to have your rescue medication with you at all times,” said Mahone.
If your symptoms don’t improve after taking medication…
“This is when you want to monitor them to see if you should call your doctor or even come to the emergency room if your symptoms are significantly worse,” said Mahone.