Happy to have a break from summer’s scorching heat, most Floridians welcome the fall months with gusto. However, for people living with allergies and/or asthma, cooler temperatures in the fall can also bring some challenges. Since complaints of both allergies and asthma seem to rise as the weather cools down, many people start to make the connection between the two conditions. If exposure to allergens brings on asthma symptoms for you, you may be dealing with allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma, which is the most common type of asthma. Allergic asthma affects around 60% of the estimated 25 million people diagnosed with asthma. Understanding the connection between these conditions is essential for proper management and maintaining good respiratory health during the autumn months.
What Are Fall Allergies?
Fall allergies are the result of the same reaction that causes allergy symptoms in other seasons, but fall features a unique combination of potential allergens:
- Mold spores: As leaves fall from the trees, they pile up and decay, causing mold growth to become an issue for allergy sufferers.
- Dust mites: Closing up the windows in your home or at work and turning on the heat will likely cause dust mites to be spread around, giving you allergy symptoms while inside.
- Ragweed pollen: Ragweed is one of the most notorious fall allergens here in Florida. Ragweed releases pollen starting in late summer, peaking in the fall, and can travel hundreds of miles, making escape virtually impossible.
For people with allergies but not asthma, these triggers can lead to typical allergy symptoms – sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, and congestion. But for those with allergy-induced asthma, exposure to these allergens can bring on a full-blown asthma attack.
The Connection Between Allergies and Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it difficult (or in severe cases, impossible) to breathe. When this inflammation is triggered by an allergic reaction, it is called allergic or allergy-induced asthma. For people with this condition, the same immune system response that causes the allergy symptoms (histamine release) also affects the airways, causing asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath.
How Do Fall Allergies Trigger Asthma?
While the average person may not be aware, people with allergies know that there are airborne allergens around us all the time, and the fall months are no exception. In someone with allergies, inhaling these allergens stimulates the immune system to release histamines unnecessarily, setting off an allergic reaction that can inflame the airways.
For people with asthma, their airways are already sensitive and prone to inflammation, so the added impact of allergic reactions can quickly cause symptoms. These people must be more diligent than most when managing their combination of asthma and allergy symptoms.
Managing Fall Allergy-Induced Asthma
Managing fall allergies and asthma together requires a proactive, multipronged approach:
1. Avoid exposure to allergens
Pollen counts are typically highest first thing in the morning, so staying indoors during this time can help avoid exposure to pollen allergens. Those sensitive to exhaust fumes will also want to stay indoors during high-traffic times, like when people are on their way to and from work. While inside, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent allergens from entering. If you must be outside, wearing a mask can help reduce exposure to airborne allergens.
2. Clean your living spaces.
People with allergic asthma must pay special attention to cleaning their living and working spaces, including their homes, vehicles, and working spaces. Frequent cleaning and vacuuming are required to keep dust mites and other indoor allergens at bay. Bedding, such as sheets, blankets, pillowcases, comforters, shams, etc. should be washed weekly in hot water. Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter is also helpful.
3. Medications for both allergies and asthma
- Antihistamines: These medications help reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes.
- Inhaled corticosteroids: These are used to control and reduce airway inflammation caused by asthma.
- Leukotriene modifiers: A medication like montelukast (Singulair) can ease both allergy and asthma symptoms by blocking the chemicals that cause inflammation during allergic reactions.
- Rescue inhalers: For quick relief during an asthma attack, a short-acting bronchodilator (such as albuterol) can help open the airways and make breathing easier.
3. Consider allergy shots
Allergy shots are a popular choice for those who suffer from allergy-induced asthma. Also known as immunotherapy, allergy shots work by exposing the patient to small amounts of the allergens that cause their symptoms, gradually building up their immunity to those allergens. As their allergy symptoms decrease, so too do the asthma symptoms caused by the allergic response.
4. Monitor your asthma symptoms.
No matter what type of asthma you have, you should always monitor and track your symptoms in an attempt to identify your specific asthma triggers. Using a peak flow meter is also helpful to gauge lung function and pick up on a potential attack early.
When to See a Doctor
Some people practice all the right prevention techniques and still struggle with allergy-induced asthma. If this is you, then you need to consult with a qualified allergist and/or asthma specialist immediately to develop a comprehensive asthma action plan that focuses on the allergy-asthma connection. Regular check-ups are also important for ensuring that your treatment plan is working effectively and to make any necessary changes, as your symptoms can change over time.
Fall Allergy and Asthma Treatment in Tampa Bay
At AllergyTampa.com, Tampa Bay’s premier allergy and asthma treatment clinic, we specialize in helping patients manage their allergies and asthma all year long. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Just give us a call at (813) 971-9743 to schedule an appointment and take control of your allergy-induced asthma symptoms today!
