Helpful ways to tame asthma flare-ups in the fall

Asthma attacks can strike at any time of the year. But the most frequent flare-ups seem to occur in the fall, says Stanley Fineman, M.D., an allergist in private practice in Metro Atlanta and past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). “We see more [asthma-related] hospital and emergency room visits in October and November than any other time of year,” he explains.

But with the right knowledge and tools, you can go about your daily routine during the autumn months free of flare-ups, Dr. Fineman says. Here are five ways to keep your asthma under control this fall.

1. Learn what can trigger your asthma

Many people don’t realize that allergies can trigger an asthma attack. Pollen and mold are two of the biggest allergen offenders in the fall. But don’t just self-treat seasonal allergies — ask a doctor if you should also be screened for allergies, and what precautions to take if you have a dual diagnosis. Uncontrolled asthma can be deadly. You can find quick symptom tests for both conditions on the ACAAI website.

2. Protect yourself while outside

Fallen leaves are a breeding ground for mold and a haven for pollen. Raking stirs up both and releases them into the air, so it may help to wear a mask when doing any kind of yard work. The ACAAI recommends a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 particulate filtering mask You can find a list of suppliers on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Other habits that can help: removing shoes when you come back inside and showering before bed, as recommended by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

3. Change up your workout

Being physically active — especially outside — can do wonders for your health. However, exercising in the cold, dry air of autumn can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and a sore throat. Decreased endurance and an upset stomach during workouts may also be sneaky signs of asthma. Warm, humidified air is less likely to trigger asthma, so swimming is a great choice for people who have this condition, says Dr. Fineman. If you must be outside, wear a scarf or face mask that covers your nose and mouth; this will warm and moisten the air before it reaches your lungs.

4. Get vaccinated and wash your hands

“Cold and flu viruses clearly trigger asthma,” says Dr. Fineman. People should get an annual flu shot, if they’re able to. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu virus and related complications, says Michael Jhung, M.D., associate director for epidemiologic science in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Influenza Division. His advice is to get vaccinated in September or October, before the virus starts spreading in your community. Protection kicks in about two weeks after getting the shot. If you miss that window, you should still get vaccinated. Flu season stretches through the spring, so you’ll want the protection.

Another smart tip: Ask about the “senior flu shot.” These flu shots for people 65 and older contain either a higher dose or an extra ingredient to help weakened immune systems mount a stronger response to the vaccine. Your doctor can help you decide if one of the two options is right for you.

• High-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) contains four times the amount of flu virus antigen — the part that sparks the immune system.
• Adjuvanted flu vaccine (Fluad Quadrivalent) contains an adjuvant, an ingredient added to the vaccine to help create a stronger immune response. If you get one of these shots, you may experience mild side effects, such as headache, muscle aches, or redness or swelling at the injection site. These usually resolve within one to three days.

People with asthma should also get vaccinated against pneumonia, regardless of their age. Another reason to roll up those sleeves? To wash your hands. Do it often, with soap, for a minimum of 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink.

5. Know your work and school plan

If you are a parent, caregiver, grandparent, or generally around children, it’s important to understand how classrooms bring extra challenges for kids with asthma — including wayward cold germs. Chalk dust, dander from class pets, and pollen and mold wafting in through open windows can all pose problems. Ask a doctor to talk with the child about his or her triggers and how to avoid them. Also, learn what school staff should know and whether you should provide the nurse with a quick-relief inhaler and/or epinephrine pen.

Adults with asthma should also ask their care provider about rescue medicines and let one or two co-workers know what to do if they have an episode on the job.