Why Does My Asthma Worsen Over the Summer?
Treating Summer Asthma Symptoms
Whether from an increase in heat and humidity or related to your allergy triggers, there are a few reasons why your asthma could be worse throughout the summer months.
Keep reading to learn more about what might be causing your summer asthma symptoms, and how our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can help.
Warm Weather and Your Asthma
Summer weather can be a trigger for your asthma symptoms — especially here in Georgia. Why? Because breathing in hot, humid air can cause your airways to narrow, leading to shortness of breath. And if you are allergic to summer allergens like grass pollen and mold spores, it’s no surprise that your asthma symptoms may be worse.
Summer Allergy-Induced Asthma
Unfortunately for patients who suffer from spring and summer allergies, the time of year you most want to be outside can be challenging due to allergy and asthma symptoms.
If your allergies are triggered by certain allergens that are especially prevalent in June, July, and August, here in Georgia, those with asthma are more likely to have exacerbations, or asthma attacks, during those months.
Here are some of the most common allergens, by season, that could increase your likelihood of your allergic asthma symptoms:
- March - June: Tree pollen
- May-June: Grass pollens
- June: Outdoor mold spores begin to peak, and often don’t decrease until after the first frost.
- August - October: Weed pollen (ragweed)
Environmental Asthma Triggers
While warm weather and allergies can trigger your asthma, did you know that other environmental factors such as smoke and ozone levels can also make your symptoms worse?
Summer Temperatures and Air Quality
People with asthma are impacted by the quality of the air they breathe. Heat increases the risk of air pollution which can worsen asthma symptoms by irritating already sensitive lungs.
Air quality can become a problem during very hot weather when heat and sunlight ‘bake’ the air along with chemical compounds present in the air. This creates ground-level ozone (found in smog) and is more common in areas with a lot of cars. Ozone can decrease lung function making it more difficult to breathe.
Another lung irritant is particle pollution. Airborne particles, found in haze, smoke, and airborne dust, can cause serious air quality issues. People with asthma are at greater risk when breathing in these small particles.
Both of these factors can contribute to poor air quality. ‘Air Quality Alerts’ are more common in the summer months when temperatures are high, pollution levels increase, and/or when there is smoke from wildfires in the vicinity. Asthmatics should watch for these alerts and stay indoors as much as possible until the air quality improves. People with asthma should also be careful around bonfires and barbeques, two staples of summer fun!
Treating Your Asthma at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia
No matter the cause of your asthma flare-ups, you can trust our board-certified team at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia to help you find relief.
Our highly-qualified medical team will work closely with you to identify your asthma triggers and develop an individualized care plan which controls your asthma symptoms and prevents future attacks. Request a same-day or next-day appointment at any of our 10 Metro Atlanta locations via phone at (770) 459-0620 or online via our contact form.