What is Seasonal Asthma?
, by Tatianna Gerard, 13 min reading time
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways, causing them to become inflamed and narrow, which makes it difficult to breathe. This condition can be triggered by various environmental factors and allergens, and it affects people of all ages.
In Australia, asthma is a widespread condition, with statistics showing that one in every nine Australians – around 2.7 million people – live with asthma. This makes managing the condition a priority for many individuals, especially during certain times of the year when asthma symptoms tend to worsen. Seasonal asthma is a specific type of asthma that flares up during particular seasons, most commonly in spring and autumn.
What is seasonal asthma?
Seasonal asthma is a type of asthma triggered by allergens or environmental changes that happen during certain times of the year. If you find yourself wheezing, coughing, or feeling short of breath when the seasons change, you might be dealing with seasonal asthma. While seasonal asthma falls under allergy-induced asthma, there is also another different type of asthma which is non-allergy.
In Australia, seasonal asthma is particularly prevalent due to the country’s diverse climates and vast variety of flora. As the seasons shift, so do the environmental triggers. For many Australians, springtime can be the worst culprit, as pollen counts from native trees like eucalyptus and grasses such as ryegrass reach their peak. This is especially true in regions like Melbourne and Canberra, which are known for high pollen levels and even "thunderstorm asthma" events—sudden outbreaks of asthma symptoms triggered by thunderstorms sweeping pollen particles into the air.
During autumn, regions in Australia may experience a surge in mould spores, especially after rain, while in the tropical northern parts, the wet season can lead to increased humidity, further complicating asthma symptoms.
Seasonal asthma symptoms
The symptoms of seasonal asthma often creep up when you least expect them—just as you're ready to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. They can range from mild to severe, and sometimes they mimic symptoms of hay fever, which can make them tricky to spot at first.
Here’s a list of common symptoms of seasonal asthma:
- Shortness of breath: Feeling like it's hard to catch your breath or experiencing chest tightness.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched, whistling sound when you breathe, especially when exhaling.
- Persistent coughing: Often worse at night or early in the morning, and sometimes mistaken for a lingering cold.
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or drained because your body is working harder to breathe.
- Reduced endurance: Difficulty performing physical activities without feeling winded more easily than usual.
- Itchy, watery eyes: Often accompanies asthma during allergy seasons, resembling hay fever symptoms.
- Nasal congestion and runny nose: Similar to allergy symptoms but paired with asthma, making breathing more difficult.
- Chest tightness or discomfort: A heavy, squeezing sensation that often accompanies shortness of breath.
How to manage seasonal asthma
Managing seasonal asthma doesn’t have to be overwhelming—by taking a proactive approach, you can keep symptoms in check and enjoy each season to the fullest. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you breathe easier:
1. Know your triggers
The first step in managing seasonal asthma is understanding what sets it off. For many, it’s pollen from trees and grasses in the spring, while others may be sensitive to mould spores in autumn or dust mites in winter. Use apps or local pollen forecasts to stay informed about high-pollen days, and try to limit outdoor activities when counts are at their highest.
2. Use preventative medication
If you know that your asthma flares up during certain times of the year, start using preventative medication before symptoms even begin. Inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators can help keep inflammation in your airways at bay. Speak to your doctor about the right medication and dosage for your situation.
3. Keep your reliever inhaler close
When symptoms strike unexpectedly, your reliever inhaler (often a blue inhaler) is your best friend. Always carry it with you, especially during high-risk months, and use it at the first sign of wheezing or shortness of breath. If you find it difficult to inhale the full dose at once, using a spacer can make a big difference. Spacers help the medication reach deeper into your lungs, making each dose more effective. It’s a simple tool that ensures you're getting the most out of your inhaler, and they’re particularly helpful for children or anyone who struggles with proper inhaler technique.
4. Allergy-proof your home
One of the most effective ways to manage seasonal asthma is by reducing allergens in your living environment. Here's how:
- Keep windows closed: During high-pollen days, prevent outdoor triggers from entering by keeping windows shut. This reduces the amount of pollen and dust that can settle inside your home.
- Use air purifiers: Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to trap allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander. Place them in bedrooms and living areas for cleaner, allergen-free air.
- Wash bedding regularly: Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, especially in bedding. Wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water to kill dust mites. You can also add SAN-AIR LD Concentrate to your laundry. It’s an excellent solution if you find mould on your bedding—just dilute it with water and include it in your wash cycle.
- Freshen your beddings: After washing, spray your linens with Euclove Linen & Bedding Spray. The natural essential oils like neem, Blue Gum eucalyptus, lavender, and Vetiver not only add a refreshing scent but also repel bed bugs, dust mites, lice, and silverfish.
- Control humidity: If your home is prone to humidity, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens, use SAN-AIR Mould Gone gels. These gels contain natural actives that inhibit the growth of mould. For homes with air conditioning, you can place SAN-AIR Air Handler (or the V3R Split System Reactive Gel if you have a split system air-cond) in the return air vent in front of the filter or coils. This allows air to flow through the box, reducing mould growth throughout your home.
5. Limit outdoor activities during peak times
During spring and autumn, pollen and mould counts are typically higher in the morning and late afternoon, making these the riskiest times to be outside. To reduce your exposure, plan outdoor activities for later in the day when pollen levels drop, however, if you need to be outside during peak times, wearing a mask can help.
For the most optimal protection, choose a P2 or N95 mask, as these can filter out 95% of airborne particles, including pollen, dust, and other allergens. For even better coverage, consider the Australian-made AMD P2 mask, which offers 99.66% Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE). This makes it an excellent option to keep allergens at bay and reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups while you're outdoors.
6. Rinse away allergens
After spending time outdoors, pollen and other allergens can cling to your hair, skin, and clothes. Rinsing off when you come inside and changing into fresh clothes can prevent those triggers from lingering and irritating your airways.
7. Stay on top of your health
Keeping your lungs strong is key to managing seasonal asthma. Regular exercise can help, but if you have exercise-induced asthma, make sure you warm up properly and always carry your inhaler. Hydration and a balanced diet also support overall lung function.
To further optimise your lung health, consider using AirPhysio. This device helps with breathing exercises that clear your airways and strengthen your lungs. If you have lower lung capacity due to asthma, the AirPhysio Low Lung Capacity model may be more suited to your condition. For children, there’s an AirPhysio for Children version, specifically designed to be gentle and easy to use, helping them manage their asthma more effectively.
8. Monitor weather conditions
In Australia, weather plays a big role in asthma. Thunderstorms, especially in places like Melbourne, can stir up pollen particles and trigger "thunderstorm asthma" events. Keep an eye on weather reports during high-risk seasons and stay indoors when storms are predicted.
9. Work with your doctor
Having a clear asthma action plan in place with your healthcare provider is essential. This plan should outline what to do in case of a flare-up, when to use medication, and when to seek medical attention. Regular check-ups can also help fine-tune your treatment strategy.
10. Staying hydrated and exercising
Maintaining good hydration is essential for managing seasonal asthma. Drinking plenty of water helps to thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing the chance of blockages that can trigger asthma symptoms. Aim to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, especially during warmer months when dehydration can worsen asthma.
Light physical activity is another great way to improve lung function, but it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help strengthen your lungs without putting too much strain on them. Regular exercise not only improves overall fitness but also enhances your lungs’ ability to handle allergens and irritants, making it easier to breathe through seasonal asthma challenges. Always remember to warm up before any activity and keep your reliever inhaler nearby in case of any exercise-induced symptoms.
When to seek help
While seasonal asthma can often be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments, there are times when professional medical attention is essential. If you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe—such as worsening shortness of breath, frequent wheezing, or persistent coughing that doesn’t improve with your usual medication—it’s time to reach out for help. Another red flag is if your reliever inhaler doesn’t seem to be working, or if you find yourself using it more often than usual without relief.
In some cases, symptoms can escalate quickly, leading to:
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe chest tightness
- Struggling to catch your breath
These symptoms may indicate an asthma emergency, and in such situations, it’s crucial to seek urgent medical care immediately. Don’t wait for the symptoms to pass—get help right away. Knowing when to take action can prevent a minor flare-up from turning into something more serious.
Develop an Asthma Action Plan
One of the best ways to stay prepared for seasonal asthma is by developing an Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider. This personalised plan outlines the steps you should take when your symptoms flare up, including when to take medication, how much to take, and what to do if your symptoms don’t improve.
An action plan usually divides your symptoms into zones—green for good control, yellow or orange for caution, and red for danger. By following these clear guidelines, you’ll know exactly what to do at each stage. This can help prevent severe flare-ups and reduce anxiety when symptoms arise.
Your action plan should also include information on when to seek medical help, as well as a list of medications you should always have on hand. Review your plan regularly with your doctor to make sure it’s up to date and make any necessary adjustments as your condition or lifestyle changes. Having this plan in place ensures you’re always prepared, giving you peace of mind even during the peak of allergy season.