Photography: Lexi Coon
Spring allergies can cause nasal drainage and itchy eyes. They are a minor irritation for many, but they can cause major problems for people with asthma when they also affect the lungs and cause asthma flareups. However, there are ways to manage and prevent some allergic outbreaks while living with asthma, according to UAB Medicine allergist and pulmonologist Miranda Curtiss, M.D., Ph.D.
The easiest and most effective defense against seasonal allergies that affect the eyes and nose is nasal steroids and nasal and oral antihistamines, she says. These medications are generally affordable, have an excellent track record, and are available over the counter or by prescription.
If nose and eye allergy symptoms get worse, there is another approach. “Allergy shots can be helpful for patients with seasonal and year-round allergies,” Dr. Curtiss said. “However, these are a long-term investment that requires planning to continue therapy for three to five years for maximum benefit. Also, people with asthma who want to start allergy shots need to have their asthma well under control first before starting shots.”
Environmental factors
Practical ways to reduce exposure during peak pollen season include keeping house and car windows closed and running the air conditioner. Also, be aware of your clothing. “Changing your clothes when possible and showering after entering the house can be helpful as well,” Dr. Curtiss said.
For those allergic to pollen and mold, day-to-day asthma symptoms can change depending on many environmental factors, including the growing season, humidity, and wind. Indoor allergens tend to be present year-round – such as those from dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pets – but they also can fluctuate depending on the environment outdoors.
Dr. Curtiss says you should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms during an asthma flareup:
- Trouble speaking due to shortness of breath
- Having to sit hunched forward
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Low oxygen level
- Allergic reaction to a certain food, an insect sting/bite, or a medication
Stay on top of treatment
Using asthma controller inhalers regularly is the best way to manage asthma symptoms and help prevent flareups. “This is the absolute most important way for patients to protect themselves,” Dr. Curtiss said.
If the inhaler isn’t affordable, she encourages patients to talk with their doctors and pharmacists to be sure they have current medical insurance information, so that they can check what inhalers are on the insurance formulary list and possibly recommend options that are less expensive or covered by insurance at a higher rate. Patients can use the GoodRX app to check inhaler costs. Other options include the Mark Cuban CostPlus pharmacy and patient assistance programs.
Using your rescue inhaler during the daytime more than twice in a week – or more than two times at night in a month – means your asthma likely is not controlled, and you should talk to your doctor about stepping up your treatment, Dr. Curtiss said.
“People with asthma can protect themselves from severe flareups by paying attention to their symptoms each day and seeking help early in the episode, when it’s more likely to respond to treatment,” she said. “For anyone using more than one rescue inhaler per month, this is a major red flag and requires an urgent evaluation by a specialist.”
Click here to learn more about managing asthma and for information on the UAB Medicine Asthma Clinic.