There are many outside triggers that are not within our control. Your child cannot totally avoid them but if we recognize them as an asthma trigger, proactive measures can be taken as part of the overall treatment plan to minimize their effects on asthma control.
No one climate is best for all children. Some children are sensitive to cold air; others have difficulty on very hot, humid days. Over time, it will become evident which, if any, atmospheric triggers may worsen your child's asthma symptoms. Once they are identified, you may be able to take certain precautions, or, increase your child's medication proactively (as advised by the doctor) to minimize the worsening of asthma.
Ozone levels: When the ozone concentration is high, as it is usually during hot, hazy, humid summer days, peak flow rates in patients with asthma fall. The number of emergency room visits for asthma symptoms increases. It is suggested that outdoor activity be limited on days when the ozone level is high and that your child stay in air conditioning as much as possible.
Pollen counts: Seasonally, children sensitive to mold or the various types of pollen may have their asthma triggered by these allergens. For example, when allergy symptoms occur and asthma worsens in the spring, tree pollen is the likely trigger. Grass pollen is present in late spring and early summer and may be an aggravating factor during that period in children sensitive to that particular pollen. During late summer and into the autumn, weed pollen may be the culprit.
To recieve your 4 day allergy forecast, including pollen counts, visit pollen.com.
(Pollen count is measured in pollen granules per cubimeter. Daily pollen count rangers from absent to very high.)
Mold counts: Throughout the year but especially during rainy, humid summers and autumn months, mold spores may be prevalent and contribute to symptoms in mold-sensitive children. Typically, children with mold sensitivity experience allergy and asthma flare-ups in the fall during the change of season, when the leaves (moldy) begin to fall, or during a cooler, rainy period. Mold spores dissipate after the first frost and virtually disappear when the snow covers the ground.
(Mold counts are generally much higher than pollen counts. Daily mold count ranges from minimal to very high.)
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