Can the Weather Affect My Child's Asthma?

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Can the Weather Affect My Child's Asthma? KidsHealth.org

Sun Aug 21, 8:00 PM ET

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The effect of weather on asthma symptoms isn't fully understood, but

there clearly is a link. Numerous studies have shown a variety of

connections, such as increases in asthma-related emergency

department visits when certain weather conditions are present. Some

people find that their asthma symptoms get worse at specific times

of year. For others, a severe storm or sudden weather change may

trigger an attack.

Exposure to cold, dry air is a common asthma trigger and can quickly

cause severe symptoms. People with exercise-induced asthma who

participate in winter sports are especially susceptible. Hot, humid

air can also trigger asthma symptoms in some people. In certain

areas, heat and sunlight combine with pollutants to create ground-

level ozone, which is also an asthma trigger.

Wet weather, which encourages the growth of mold spores, and dry,

windy weather, which blows pollen and mold in the air, can cause

problems as well. And a recent study showed that during

thunderstorms, the daily number of emergency department visits for

asthma increased by 15%. The study concluded that the problem was

caused by the number of fungal spores in the air, which almost

doubled. It wasn't rain, but the wind, that caused this increase.

Changes in barometric pressure may also be an asthma trigger,

although scientists aren't sure why.

If you suspect weather is playing a role in your child's asthma,

keep a diary of asthma symptoms and possible triggers and talk to

your child's doctor. Once you've determined what kind of weather

affects your child, you can take steps to protect him or her:

Watch the forecast for pollen and mold counts as well as other

conditions (extreme cold or heat) that might affect your child's

asthma.

Limit your child's outdoor activities on peak trigger days.

Make sure your child wears a scarf over his or her mouth and nose

outside during very cold weather.

Keep windows closed at night to keep pollens and molds out. If it's

hot, use air conditioning, which cleans, cools, and dries the air.

Keep your child indoors early in the morning (before 10 AM) when

pollen is at its highest levels.

Don't ask your child to mow the lawn and rake the leaves, and keep

your child away from freshly cut grass and leaf piles.

Dry clothes in the dryer (hanging clothes or sheets to dry can allow

mold or pollen to collect on them).

Make sure your child always has his or her rescue medication on hand.

Your child's written asthma action plan should list weather triggers

and the steps you can take to handle them, including any seasonal

increases in medication. If your child's asthma seems to be allergy-

related, he or she may also need to see an allergist for medication

or allergy shots.