When you have asthma, avoiding triggers (things that irritate your airways) can help you feel your best. But when you’re exposed to air pollution, every breath can trigger asthma symptoms. And our changing climate may be making the problem worse.
When someone with asthma breathes polluted air:
- The muscles around the airways (the passages that move air in and out of the lungs) tighten.
- The bronchial tubes also become swollen and inflamed.
- The airways may make more mucus.
That physical reaction can cause asthma symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
That asthma flare-up can make you feel miserable, disrupt your daily life — and even lead to emergency room visits.
Understanding air pollution
Air pollution consists of a mix of harmful substances, including:
Airborne particles
These tiny particles come from many sources, including:
- Burning fossil fuels, such as from car exhaust
- Dust
- Wildfires
Ozone and other gases
Ozone usually occurs high in the atmosphere, but it can form close to the ground on hot and sunny summer days in urban areas. Ozone is a big part of smog.
But ozone isn’t the only issue. Air pollution also includes harmful gases such as:
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxides
- Sulfur oxides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are substances that can turn to vapor. They come from a variety of sources, including paint fumes, cleaning and craft supplies, gasoline, and natural gas
The climate connection
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many types of air pollution have decreased in recent decades. That’s because of rules that limit industrial emissions. Still, air pollution is often worse in urban areas. According to the American Lung Association, nearly 40% of Americans live with unhealthy air.
Rising temperatures may already be making the problem worse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the EPA.
Droughts lead to more dust — and particles — in the air. And they raise the risk for wildfires, which spread smoke far and wide.
Warmer summers may also mean higher ozone levels, especially in urban areas. These conditions can all trigger asthma symptoms.
Climate change may worsen asthma symptoms in other ways too. For example, longer summers may mean more pollen — another common trigger — in the air. And storms and other weather events might mean more exposure to molds.
All of these changes mean it’s important for people with asthma to know how to protect themselves — now and in the future.
Breathe easier
The Temple Lung Center is home to a variety of asthma specialists. They offer breakthrough treatment options as well as personalized care plans for mild to complex asthma cases. Here are some recommendations that generally help asthma patients breathe easier. And while you can’t completely avoid air pollution, you may be able to lower your exposure. Start with these five steps:
1. Keep an eye on air quality forecasts. If possible, limit your time outdoors on days when air pollution levels are high. You can check air quality at www.airnow.gov. Some TV and radio stations also give air-quality reports.
2. Take your workout indoors. Exercise is too good for your health to pass up. On days when air quality is bad, consider exercising indoors — for instance, walking at a shopping mall.
3. Don’t exercise in areas with a lot of traffic. Even when air quality is good, high-traffic areas near roadways can have a lot of pollution.
4. Shut out smog. You may want to keep your windows closed (and the air conditioning on, if it’s hot out) when air pollution levels are high. Consider using a portable air cleaner to help remove smoke or other pollutants. Run the air cleaner in the room where you spend the most time.
5. Manage your meds. If you use daily controller medications, make sure to take them as directed. And always keep your rescue inhaler with you. Use it when you have symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath.
Don’t let asthma and air pollution limit your life
It won’t always be possible to avoid air pollution or other asthma triggers. But planning ahead — and getting the right asthma care — can help you manage their effects.
Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan that includes ways to reduce exposure to asthma triggers, including air pollution. Your asthma plan will also tell you what to do if your asthma symptoms get worse.
If you’re still not getting the relief you need, you should consider seeking help at a specialized asthma center. The right treatment can help you live life to the fullest.
To make an appointment with an asthma expert at Temple Health, call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment online.
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