When we think of the monsoon season, we imagine cool breeze, overcast skies, and rhythmic rainfall, we feel a sense of relief after the scorching heat of summer. But individuals with asthma or respiratory sensitivity will feel a double-edged sword. That weather may feel fresh and clean, but the changing weather patterns will bring some uninvited guests like wheezing, breathlessness, or even full-blown asthma attacks.
But why does this happen? Is there any actual connection between monsoon weather and breathing troubles, or is it only a seasonal coincidence? Further, this blog will give you a proper idea about why monsoon affects your respiratory health, notably asthma and wheezing, and what you can do to manage it better.
What’s asthma and wheezing?
Before knowing the weather’s influence on asthma, you need to know what asthma and wheezing actually mean:
- Asthma is a medical condition, which persists for a long time and in this individuals airways will be narrowed and inflamed, and produce more mucus. This makes breathing difficult and triggers other signs such as coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
- With wheezing, you will produce a whistle-like sound, which is triggered by the lungs’ narrowed breathing tubes. Often, wheezing is considered the prompt sign of asthma, but at times, other respiratory issues also cause this. At that time, you should consider reaching out to the best pulmonology hospital in Coimbatore to get the desired results.
Simply, both conditions are sensitive to external triggers, like environmental factors, allergens, infections, and mainly weather.
What’s the link between monsoon weather and asthma?
Further, let’s see how the monsoon season creates an ideal storm for respiratory issues:
– High humidity:
Typically, during the monsoon season, humidity levels will be too high. Those increased humidity levels make the air heavy, which makes breathing harder, notably for individuals with compromised lung function. This causes:
- Tightness in the chest
- Shortness of breath
- More mucus production
Humidity will worsen already-inflamed airways in individuals with asthma, resulting in frequent flare-ups.
– Mold and fungal growth:
In case your house looks like this in monsoon, with damp walls, ceilings, and furnishing, it is obvious that mold and fungi thrive during this season. Mold spores will act as an allergen when inhaled.
- These spores will trigger allergic asthma.
- They result in constant wheezing and coughing in weak individuals.
In case your home is not well-ventilated or there are some issues related to moisture, the chances of mold-induced asthma symptoms surge significantly.
– Dust mites:
You need to understand that dust mites also love humid environments. Typically, these small creatures will live in our mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their droppings are potent allergens.
- Inhaling allergens like dust mites will trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- The common signs include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and nasal congestion.
Usually, in monsoon, we often like to stay indoors, which means you are more prone to these indoor allergens.
– Pollen and outdoor allergens:
Simply, the pollen may increase during the summer months, but a few plants will release pollen during the monsoon. Wet grass, plants, and a few fungi release spores and allergens into the air, which will:
- Aggravate allergic asthma.
- Triggering inflammation in the airways.
Even if it is raining, stepping into a field or garden will expose you to these airborne allergens.
– Viral and bacterial infections:
Monsoon is one of the worst seasons for respiratory infections such as the flu, common cold, and bronchitis. These are considered the common triggers of asthma because they:
- Causes your airways to become inflamed.
- Increases mucus production.
- Temporarily reducing your lung function.
Both kids are elderly individuals who are more vulnerable during this monsoon season, and existing asthma will rapidly escalate with even a mild respiratory infection.
– Sudden weather changes:
Typically, during monsoon, a huge temperature fluctuation will be there, right from hot and humid to cool and damp in a few hours. As a result of sudden temperature changes, you will experience:
- Irritate the bronchial tubes
- Leads to constriction of the airways
- Triggers asthma attacks
Changes like these are more challenging for individuals with exercise-induced asthma or seasonal asthma.
What are the signs that indicate the monsoon season is affecting your asthma?
Are you not sure if your symptoms are connected with weather conditions? Further, let’s get to know some signs that your asthma or wheezing may be connected to the monsoon:
- Increased breathlessness in humid mornings or nights.
- Chest tightness or wheezing in the rainy season.
- Musty smells indoors will cause coughing fits.
- Frequent asthma attacks occur in rainy weather.
- Reaching out to the inhaler more often.
What are the monsoon asthma prevention tips?
In case the monsoon weather worsens your symptoms, note down these practical ways to control them:
– Manage indoor humidity:
- Try using a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels below 50%.
- Run exhaust fans in both the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Never use dry clothes indoors, as it surges your moisture levels.
– Prevent mold growth:
- Clean those damp areas with antifungal sprays.
- Make sure there’s proper ventilation in bathrooms and basements.
- Immediately fix leaks and water seepage.
– Stay away from allergens:
- Often vacuum your rooms.
- Every week, wash your bedding in hot water.
- Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
– Boost immunity:
- Consume a balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
- Hydrate yourself to thin mucus secretions.
- Get your annual flu vaccine, especially if you are vulnerable to respiratory infections.
– Regularly take your medications:
- Stick to your asthma action plan.
- Even when you are feeling fine, never skip preventer inhalers.
- Always carry a rescue inhaler with you.
– Consult your doctor:
Despite taking precautions, your symptoms are getting worse, reach out to the asthma specialist in Coimbatore to:
- Reassess your treatment plan with your doctor.
- You may require an adjustment in inhaler dosage or medication.
- Lung tests, such as spirometry which help in monitoring your condition.
Bottom line:
In conclusion, we can say that the monsoon may bring beauty and relief in several ways, but it also remains as a challenging season for individuals living with asthma or wheezing. More humidity, the presence of allergens, infections, and fluctuating temperatures, altogether play a huge role in triggering respiratory problems. Simply, with the proper preventive strategies and medical support, one can enjoy the rains without bothering about breathlessness. The actual key lies in staying informed, being prepared, and listening to your body’s signals.
