Asthma Precautions During Monsoon
What a bliss it is to have drizzles pour down from the sky and beat down the scorching summer heat.
The cool breeze that comes with the pleasant weather brought about by the monsoon is a huge relief to one and all.
And yet, the sudden fall in temperature and humidity that monsoon brings causes discomfort to patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
In particular, senior citizens who are asthmatic are more likely to bear the brunt of monsoon.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that creates problems in the airways carrying air to the lungs. The secretion of extra mucus in the airways leads to breathing difficulty.
Seasonal changes like monsoon put people suffering from allergic asthma at greater risk with an increase in fungus and pollens in the environment. This trigger asthmatic attacks.
Moreover, with the COVID-19 pandemic in attendance, the change in weather can have adverse effects on asthmatic patients who are already vulnerable to the virus.
However, it is manageable if one takes all necessary precautions and measures for the prevention of respiratory infections.
To guide you through the same, below are listed several precautions and measures which you can follow to be not only safe and healthy but also be able to experience the joy of monsoon.
Prevent dampness in walls
Constant rainfall during monsoon likely causes dampness in walls.
The moisture in the dampened walls is bad news for your health as it can trigger asthma-related symptoms and other respiratory issues.
To avoid getting moulds and moisture on walls, it is best to get damp-proof work done in the house. You can also get rid of the moulds by using bleaching powder and water.
A good dehumidifier or air conditioner to control and reduce the moisture circulation in the atmosphere is highly recommended.
Shut your doors and windows
To control the moisture circulation in your house, keep all the doors and windows shut.
In particular, the doors and windows of your kitchen and bathroom need to be closed as these are the areas that involve heavy water usage.
In the case of modern kitchens with open settings, try to keep the kitchen area as dry as possible.
Also, ensure that there is proper cross-ventilation and sun exposure to keep away unnecessary moisture.
You can also opt to use blinders and window shades instead of curtains to prevent dust from invading your house.
Keep away from indoor plants for the time being
Monsoon increases the pollen present in the atmosphere. This may aggravate asthma conditions and other respiratory issues.
Hence, it is best to keep away from indoor plants for some time.
Even if you love your plants, you must avoid placing them indoors, for the time being, particularly the ones in your bedroom.
It is also wise to keep yourself indoors in the mornings to avoid the peak hours of pollen present in the air.
Don’t leave home without wearing dustproof mask
Avoid going out as much as possible or leave only when it is necessary, but with a mask.
The presence of toxins and pollutants persists for a long time due to humidity which could trigger and/or worsen your asthmatic condition.
Thus, wearing a dustproof mask is a must before stepping out.
Restrict the movement of your pet
Being monsoon, your furry animals tend to remain indoors. Hence, their chances of shedding fur on the floors will be increased.
This can be a source of discomfort for asthmatic patients, including children. Pets’ urine too triggers asthma symptoms.
In line with this, it becomes important to restrict the movement of your furry pet to a particular area in the house.
Build your immune system
What you eat makes you. To keep infections away, follow a proper diet to build your immune system.
Consuming a healthy diet will help improve your overall health.
Knowing the triggers, risk factors, and precautionary measures for asthmatic conditions mentioned above can help you engage in the minimisation of adverse effects of asthma.
In addition, you mustn’t skip your asthma medications and take them as prescribed by your doctors.
You are also advised to keep yourself warm to avoid catching a cold or flu as even a mild cold can lead to wheezing and tightness in your chest which can trigger asthma attacks.
It is no news that keeping a healthy lifestyle and exercising daily is good for maintaining your overall health. So, follow a healthy lifestyle and keep yourself safe and healthy.
To get the best advice from our expert pulmonologists and COVID experts, visit Dr. Neerav Tyagi, and Dr. Brijesh Prajapat at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad.
Reach out to us at www.yashodahealthcare.com or call 9810922042 to know more.
