Autumn is a beautiful time of year. Many people love this season for its golden leaves and cosy evenings. But for those who live with asthma, this season can come with some challenges. Cooler temperatures, damp weather, and increase in mold and pollen can all trigger asthma symptoms. That’s why this season requires some extra care and awareness.
Let’s explore some simple tips for managing asthma symptoms in autumn and understand some common reasons which can make asthma worse in autumn.
Why Autumn Can Make Asthma Worse
Here are a few common reasons behind asthma flare-ups in autumn:
Changing Temperatures:
Sudden drop in temperature and breathing in cold air can irritate sensitive airways—making it hard to breathe.
Mould and Dampness:
Fallen leaves can harbour mold spores that can easily be carried with the wind. For those who have allergic asthma, inhaling these spores can trigger or worsen their symptoms.
Damp homes during autumn can also increase indoor mould growth.
Autumn Allergens:
Ragweed pollen can linger on well into autumn. Combined with other allergens like dust mites (which thrive when we turn the heating on), and pet dander, it can make breathing difficult for people with allergic asthma.
6 Simple Tips for Managing Asthma Symptoms in Autumn
1. Protect Yourself from Cold Air
Cold, dry air can make your airways tighten and cause coughing and wheezing. Try to breathe through your nose rather than your mouth—it helps warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs.
When going outdoors, wrap a light scarf around your mouth and nose. This can also help warm the air you breathe.
2. Watch Out for Autumn Allergens
Fallen leaves, damp gardens, pollen, and mould spores are common asthma triggers in autumn. It may be tempting to play in a pile of colorful leaves, but damp leaves hide mould spores that easily become airborne. (Learn more about airborne allergies)
If you need to rake or do garden work, wear gloves, a long sleeved shirt, and a well fitting mask (like KN95) to reduce the exposure.
Wash your clothes and take a shower afterwards and when you come back home from outdoors, to remove any lingering spores or pollen.
If you’re attending autumn events like bonfires or Halloween gatherings, stay away from open flames, scented candles, and smoky areas, as they can also trigger your symptoms.
3. Keep your Home Clean and Dry
Indoor air quality matters as much as outdoors. To reduce allergens in your home:
- Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery, preferably with a HEPA filter vacuum
- Keep doors and windows closed to avoid pollen getting inside your home
- Use air purifiers in your rooms
- Wash beddings and curtains regularly in hot water to kill dust mites
- Use an air dehumidifier if your home tends to get damp, to prevent mould growth
- Avoid drying clothes indoor whenever possible
- Use an extractor fan to reduce steam in your bathroom
- Check for any water leaks in your home, such as under sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and bathtubs
4. Manage Allergies Proactively
If you have allergic asthma, managing your allergies can make a big difference.
Using over-the-counter antihistamines or prescribed allergy medications can help in keeping allergies under control.
You can also ask your doctor about allergen immunotherapy (such as allergy shots), whether they can be a good option for you.
5. Stick to Your Asthma Action Plan
Autumn can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be consistent with your medications.
Use your preventive inhaler as prescribed by your doctor, and always keep your reliever inhaler (generally the blue one) nearby.
If you feel like your symptoms are getting worse or you’re needing your reliever inhaler more often, speak to your doctor for a review.
When to See a Doctor
You should check in with your doctor if:
- Your inhaler isn’t working as much as it used to
- Your symptoms are getting worse or interfering with your daily life or waking you up at night
Seek immediate medical help if you or someone else is having an asthma attack and starts feeling worse at any time, symptoms are not getting better after using the maximum dose of reliever inhaler, or don’t have an inhaler.
The Bottom Line
Autumn can be a challenging season if you have asthma. But with some planning and awareness, you can keep your symptoms under control and still enjoy the season.
Take care of your environment, follow your treatment plan, and stay away from your triggers.
If your symptoms are getting worse, don’t hesitate to see your doctor.
