By Debra Willstead, APN-CPNP

Spring is here and summer is on its way and with it comes the beginning of allergy and asthma season. Every season has its own special hazards for people with asthma and spring and summer are no exception. For asthma sufferers, this means an increased risk for an asthma attack. The number of people with asthma has increased 75% overall from 1980 to 1984. An estimated 20 million Americans now suffer from asthma. Asthma is also considered the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting about 6.3 million children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

About 60% of asthma attacks are caused by allergens such as spores, pollen and animal dander. Other allergens, such as medications, foods and cockroaches can also trigger a reaction. However, allergens cannot be totally avoided especially in the spring but there are tips that can reduce asthma attacks, caused by allergens and irritants.

DO keep windows closed at night to prevent pollen or mold from drifting into your home. If needed use air conditioning which cools, cleans and dries the air.

DO limit early morning activity before the dew has cleared; this is when the greatest amount of pollen is released.

DO bathe your pets (cats and dogs) weekly if they are indoor/outdoor pets. Pets bring pollen into your home on their hair especially after the grass is freshly cut.

DO try to stay indoors when pollen counts or humidity is reported high and on windy days when pollen and dust are blown about in the air.

DO take you asthma and allergy medications as prescribed by your health care provider.

DO a thorough cleaning of your home. Clean windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents that can collect dust and mold over the winter months.

DO shower and wash your hair before going to bed at night to wash off pollen that’s collected on your skin and hair.

DON’T mow lawns or be around freshly cut grass; mowing stirs up pollen spores.

DON’T rake or burn leaves; this also stirs up mold. Stay inside when leaves are being burned in your neighborhood. The smoke from leaf burning can trigger an asthma attack.

DON’T hang sheets or clothing out to dry. Pollens and molds may collect in them.

DON’T grow too many indoor plants if mold is a trigger for your child. Wet soil encourages mold growth.

Though we can not control Mother Nature we can manage asthma by learning to prevent attacks by simply making small changes to our lifestyles. Enjoy the long awaited Spring and Summer… Asthma Attack Free!

Debra is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practioner @ Whiteside County Community Health Clinic. Debra has a wide scope of interests concerning childhood development and views asthma as an increasing concern in children. Debra is also a member of the Whiteside County Asthma Coalition. To schedule an appointment for your child with Debra or to contact the Asthma Coalition please call: 815-626-2230

Whiteside County Health Department