Asthma, Allergies, Or Emergency: What’s Causing Your Breathing Problems?

Summer is in full swing, and while the warm weather is welcomed by some, many people dread the season and its impact on their allergies and other breathing issues. There are plenty of factors about summer weather that can worsen breathing issues, and being aware of these factors can help you stay healthy during the warmer months of the year. Here are some of the most common sources of breathing issues so you can keep an eye out for them for you and your family.

Seasonal Allergies

Every season has its own issues that impact air quality. Autumn is the most popular season overall, with 29% of Americans preferring autumn over the other three seasons. However, this season, as well as summer, can lead to breathing issues due to seasonal allergies. For many, these are connected to increased pollen levels. When plants release pollen during certain seasons throughout the year, they can aggravate existing allergies. Some people develop these allergies later on in life, so if you notice symptoms starting, it could be that you’ve found yourself with some seasonal allergy issues.

High Temperatures

Even without any medical issues, rising temperatures can make breathing difficult for some. You might not necessarily notice the heat and humidity’s affect on your breathing on a regular basis, but when exerting yourself physically, it can start to cause some problems. Exercise or participating in sports in higher temperatures, for example, can increase your risk of breathing difficulty. This isn’t just for exercises that you normally consider as part of your standard workout – even playing sports for fun can be physically taxing. Playing tennis for fun can burn around 169 calories in 30 minutes for a woman, and 208 calories in 30 minutes for an average man. Be careful when participating in physical activity outside, and don’t be afraid to take breaks if you’re having issues breathing.

Asthma

Asthma tends to be more common in children, but many adults also struggle with this condition that can lead to difficulty breathing. Asthma affects more than 24 million people in the U.S., including more than 6 million children. Asthma is typically triggered by specific conditions, though these can vary from person to person. Some may have anxiety-induced asthma, while others have exercise induced. Track what sets off your breathing issues so you can be aware of what worsens and improves your asthma.

Illnesses

In some cases, issues breathing are associated with temporary but dangerous conditions. This is often connected to more serious problems and illnesses, and it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as you notice issues. For example, you may be dealing with lung disease. Current estimates place the number of people with NTM lung disease in the United States as high as 180,000, and that number is increasing 8.2% every year in people 65 years and older. If you’re part of an at-risk population for certain types of disease, check with your doctor. It might not necessarily be just allergies or asthma responsible for your breathing issues.

Generally speaking, if you’re experiencing trouble breathing and you don’t already know what conditions may have led to your issues, talk to your doctor. This will help you determine if this condition is something to seriously worry about or if you just need a simple inhaler or allergy medication to help you cope. Do you or another member of your family deal with seasonal respiratory issues? What would you recommend for dealing with seasonal allergies and similar problems?