Physician Offices in Alexandria, VA, Warn Asthma Patients of This Weather
Alexandria, VA, can be quite windy in the month of March. Humidity is high too. This change in weather can affect asthma patients. Winds can blow mold spores and pollen in the air. This can lead to allergies. Changes in barometric pressure can trigger sinusitis. All these can trigger an asthma attack.
So, if you or anybody in your family is an asthma patient, this is a month to be a bit more cautious about.
Why are asthmatics more prone to problems in this weather?
An asthmatic always has a certain amount of inflammation in their bronchial tubes (airways) of their lungs. When you inhale spores and pollen present in the air they increase this inflammation.
The changing weather is also a breeding ground for viruses of colds and flus. These conditions thicken the mucous, making it harder to breathe. It can easily cause a flare-up.
Physician offices in Alexandria, VA, are apt in dealing with asthma patients. If you are suffering an attack, quickly head to your nearest clinic and seek immediate treatment.
Asthma and humidity
According to doctors, humidity can lead to bronchoconstriction, which means narrowing of airways. Moreover, an increased level of moisture in air can irritate the airways. It is not uncommon to find people suffering from allergies in this weather. The windy and humid atmosphere in Alexandria at this time of the year (March) is the culprit.
Asthmatics need to be more careful because of the high sensitivity in their airways.
Humidity can lead to:
- Tightness in chest
- Coughing
- Wheezing
The above are also signs of an upcoming asthma attack. Shortness of breath is also a sign. As soon as you begin to get the signs, visit your nearest physician offices in Arlington, VA, and start your treatment plan. This can avert an attack and provide you relief.
Your doctor would also provide you fast-acting bronchodilators that help to relax the airway muscles. As the airways dilate, breathing becomes easier.
Please follow your treatment plan as per your doctor’s guidelines. Also, try to stay indoors as much as possible when the air outside is humid and it is too windy.
Fighting indoor humidity
Humidity can also increase indoors. In this case, you must invest in good de-humidifiers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that humidity levels at home should be between 30 percent and 50 percent.
Controlled humidity also controls pests like cockroaches, which can be an asthma trigger in some patients. Also, dust mites and mold growth is decreased in low humid conditions. This is good for asthma patients at home.
Nearby clinics a boon for asthmatics
One of the best things to happen is the opening of urgent care clinics nearby. This is no less than a boon for asthma patients. They can immediately contact a doctor during an attack or when they see signs of an approaching attack.
Windy conditions and rapid temperature changes are two important triggers of asthma. Make sure you have the right asthma action plan with you and the number of one of the physician offices in Alexandria, VA.