Avoid springtime allergens to

reduce symptoms of asthma

As the weather gets warmer, children are spending more time outdoors, where springtime allergens can wreak havoc for youthful asthma sufferers. Knowing what to do,--and what to avoid--can help prevent asthma flare-ups.

According to Dr. David Wallace, pediatrician at the Children’s Clinic of SWLA, asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the lining of the airways of the lungs become swollen or inflamed.  The airways are unusually sensitive to certain irritants or “triggers.” When the airways react to a trigger, the airways narrow resulting in symptoms ranging from a tendency to cough to severe difficulty in breathing.

“Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. Asthma is considered allergic when symptoms occur when the child is exposed to allergens to which their immune system is sensitive,” said Wallace.

American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology states that about 60% of asthma attacks are caused by allergens, such as smoke, pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches, and dust mites. 

“Staying away from, or getting rid of, the allergens will help,” said Wallace. “It’s also important for children with asthma to take the proper medication to prevent and control asthma symptoms and reduce the inflammation.”

When the prescribed medications are taken as directed, the symptoms can be controlled or completely cleared up. Wallace says the most common mistake is delaying the start of prescribed asthma medicines or not replacing them when they run out.  Nonprescription inhalers and medicines are not helpful.

Dr. Wallace recommends the following tips to prevent springtime asthma attacks:

• Try to discover and avoid the substances that trigger your child’s asthma attacks
• Minimize outdoor activity when the pollen count is high or if the temperature is excessively high.
• After contact with allergens such as grass or animals, wash the child’s clothes and hair to remove remaining pollen or animal dander.
• Use the air conditioner in home and car to keep air clean, cool and dry.
• Avoid cigarette smoke, and smoke from outdoor fires or exhaust fumes from cars.
• Work with the child’s pediatrician or allergist on a management plan and take appropriate medications as prescribed.