Helpful tips and tricks to better manage allergies and asthma
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Monday, March 20th is the first day of Spring! Winter is over and common spring health concerns, such as seasonal allergies and asthma, are on the rise. Chapa-De is here to help anyone with seasonal allergies, or ongoing asthma this Spring.
Seasonal Allergies vs. Asthma
Seasonal allergies and asthma are similar, but they are not the same thing. According to the CDC, almost 26% of adults and 19% of children have seasonal allergies. But only 8% of adults and 6.5% of children have asthma.
Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, can cause a reaction to plant pollen. Plant pollen usually gets worse in springtime. The symptoms of seasonal allergies may include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, mouth, and throat
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that lasts all year long. However, some people with asthma may find that their condition worsens during the spring. Asthma symptoms can include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
Both seasonal allergies and asthma can impact a person’s lungs and sinuses. But they are managed in different ways.
Managing Seasonal Allergies
The best way to manage seasonal allergies is to avoid pollen. But that is not always possible! To reduce your exposure to pollen:
- Stay inside on dry, windy days
- Avoid lawn mowing or other yard work
- Shower and change your clothing after being outside
- Do not hang laundry outside
- Wear a face mask
- Use an air purifier with HEPA filtration
Most seasonal allergies can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Nasal sprays
- Decongestants
- Nasal rinses
In severe cases, a doctor may recommend additional treatments.
Learn more about managing seasonal allergies HERE.
Managing Asthma
Everyone with asthma should partner with their medical provider to create an Asthma Action Plan. This written plan includes education and steps for how to deal with asthma symptoms, ways to reduce the chance that symptoms will occur, and instructions for what to do in an emergency.
Knowing and managing asthma triggers can also help. Common asthma triggers include:
- Pollen
- Air pollution
- Animal allergens
- Scents/fragrances
- Certain gases
- Extreme weather changes
- Smoke
- Dust mites
- Stress
- Exercise
Learn more about asthma and download an Asthma Action Plan template to discuss with your medical provider HERE.
If you think you might have seasonal allergies or asthma, talk to your medical provider today to learn more about your options for managing your condition to help make sure you have a happy healthy spring!
For more information about Chapa-De, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
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Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
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