Seasonal asthma: its symptoms, treatment, and effective prevention methods
Seasonal asthma is one of the most common respiratory illnesses associated with changing seasons and weather fluctuations. It is a chronic condition resulting from an overactive immune response to certain substances in the environment. The body treats these substances—which may be harmless to most people—as a threat that must be fought, leading to inflammation of the airways and shortness of breath.
General context and mechanism of seasonal asthma
Historically, asthma has been linked to environmental and climatic changes, and with industrial development and increased pollution, its incidence has risen globally. According to the Gulf Health Council and the World Health Organization, allergens (such as pollen in the spring, or dust and humidity in the winter and autumn) enter the body through the respiratory system, triggering the release of chemicals like histamine, which cause the muscles surrounding the airways to constrict and mucus to accumulate.
The importance of raising awareness about this disease lies in its direct impact on quality of life; untreated attacks can lead to sleep disturbances, absence from work or school, and in rare cases, may be life-threatening if not treated medically.
Symptoms of seasonal asthma
The symptoms of seasonal asthma are very similar to those of traditional asthma, but they worsen at specific times of the year. Warning signs include:
- A whistling or wheezing sound: It is clearly heard during exhalation, and may be faint in some cases, requiring the use of a stethoscope to detect it.
- Persistent cough: It may come in the form of dry coughing fits or coughing with phlegm, and often gets worse at night or in the early morning.
- Shortness of breath: a feeling of not being able to get enough air into the lungs, causing rapid fatigue.
- Chest pain and tightness: a feeling of heaviness or pressure on the rib cage.
- Symptoms of the allergy: Due to its allergic nature, it is often accompanied by itching of the nose or throat, frequent sneezing, redness and tearing of the eyes, and a runny or blocked nose.
The best ways to treat and manage seasonal asthma
Although there is no cure that completely eliminates asthma, modern medicine offers effective solutions to control it and enable patients to lead normal lives. Treatment strategies include the following:
- Therapeutic and preventive medications: These include antihistamines for treating allergies, and inhaled corticosteroids that reduce inflammation in the long term.
- Inhalers (nebulizers): These are divided into two types; fast-acting nebulizers to dilate the airways during attacks, and preventative nebulizers that are taken regularly.
- Immunotherapy: In some cases, a doctor may recommend allergy injections to gradually reduce the immune system's reaction to specific allergens.
- Avoiding triggers: This is the most important step, and it involves staying indoors during pollen seasons or dust storms, and using air purifiers.
- Asthma Action Plan: Develop a written plan in collaboration with your doctor that outlines how to act when symptoms worsen and when to seek emergency medical care.
A deep understanding of the nature of seasonal asthma and adherence to the treatment plan is the key to avoiding complications and enjoying good respiratory health throughout the year.
