Monsoon And Asthma: What Makes Asthma Worse in Monsoon? And What Are Some Effective Measures You Should Take?

Monsoon season has to be one of the most exciting and enjoyable seasons of all. Specially enjoyed by cool wind and raindrops. However, people continue to suffer from the negative effects of the monsoon season, especially breathing problems and chronic asthma. “If you have asthma our airways can become narrow, swollen and produce extra mucus. This can cause shortness of breath and cause coughing, wheezing when you exhale, and shortness of breath. An asthma attack is an episode that causes the bands of muscle around the airways to tighten. This tightening is called bronchospasm” Dr. Preet Pal Thakur said.Also Read – Gujarat Rains: Crocodiles spotted in residential areas in Vadodara. Watch the viral video

Monsoon season brings with it several seasonal diseases like common cold, flu, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A. Asthma patients often have asthma attacks on cold, humid and rainy days. Also Read – Monsoon Getaways: Enjoy Yeh Mausam Ki Barish at These 5 Perfect Monsoon Destinations in India

How does monsoon worsen asthma?

Increase Pollen Count: Rain brings pollen, as increased pollen count in the environment can trigger asthma attacks. Also Read – Heavy Rains Lash Gujarat: CM holds review meeting; Schools, colleges will be closed today

Inadequate sun exposure: In monsoons we get less sunlight, resulting in vitamin D deficiency. As a result it can adversely affect asthma patients.

Allergens and viral infections: Viruses, bacteria, dust and mites increase in the rainy season. However, this increases the chances of allergy and asthma attacks. Untreated cold and flu are widespread during monsoons making it difficult for asthmatics to lead a normal life.

Humidity: The humidity level in the air increases as a result of continuous rainfall and lack of sunlight. Mold and mildew thrive in damp habitats, increasing the risk of developing asthma and other respiratory conditions.

How to manage asthma during monsoon?

1. Hot drinks should be consumed. Eating warm soup can help clear your nasal passages. Herbal drinks with honey will also help you recover from nasal congestion.
2. If you suspect a cold or cough, boil some water with cumin and inhale the steam to clear your nostrils.
3. Try to stay inside. If you run or jog all summer, switch to a treadmill workout during the rainy season.
4. If exercise makes your allergies worse, you can try yoga. Positions include bridge pose, cobra pose and seated half-spine twist. This yoga pose helps in expanding your lungs and chest. They also improve oxygen and blood circulation throughout the body.
5. House dust mites are the most common allergens that appear during the monsoon season. Droppings from these tiny insects cause a histamine reaction, causing your lung muscles to contract and produce mucus.
6. Cloudy weather prevents bed sheets from drying in the sun. Wash your sheets frequently in hot water.