Florida’s fall is known for being quite mild temperature-wise, but the humidity here never seems to take a break. High humidity can make an otherwise comfortable day miserable, but for people with asthma, it can also be quite dangerous. Humidity can make breathing more difficult for these people, who already have compromised respiratory systems. It can also promote the growth of certain allergens, such as mold, that can cause allergy-induced asthma. Let’s dig a little deeper into the connection between humidity levels and asthma symptoms here in the Sunshine State.
How Does Humidity Affect Asthma?
Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air around us. When humidity levels are high, there is more moisture in the air, making the air more dense. This requires deeper and more laborious breathing to get sufficient oxygen to the lungs, which can be very difficult for asthma sufferers, who can experience a combination of detrimental effects:
- Bronchoconstriction, or the narrowing of the airways leading into and inside the lungs, becomes worse in high humidity levels.
- Extra moisture in the air can irritate the airways, especially when combined with warm temperatures, which is common in Florida’s fall months.
- Mold loves humid conditions, meaning during high humidity levels, there are more mold spores growing and floating around in the air around us. These mold spores can trigger an allergic reaction that worsen asthma symptoms, a phenomenon known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.
Recognizing Humidity-Related Asthma Symptoms
Asthma sufferers must always be on the lookout for potential triggers of their symptoms, which may include:
- Coughing: Persistent, especially at night or during physical activity.
- Wheezing: A high-pitched sound when breathing, particularly when exhaling.
- Chest Tightness: A sensation of pressure or discomfort in the chest.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during humid conditions or after physical exertion.
If you experience any of these symptoms during Florida’s fall season, seek care from a qualified asthma specialist immediately to create a treatment plan.
How to Manage Asthma in Humid Conditions
Since you can’t control the amount of moisture in the air outside, what can you do to manage your asthma symptoms in our humid, warm fall months? Here are a few strategies that may help:
1. Stay Indoors on Humid Days
It’s much easier to control humidity levels inside your home versus outside, so stay indoors when humidity levels outside are high. Local weather reports can give you insight on when humidity levels will be high or the air quality is poor in your area. Using an air conditioning or filtration system with a HEPA filter not only reduces humidity inside, but can also filter out airborne triggers like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. The EPA recommends keeping your indoor humidity levels between 30-50% for maximum comfort. If the humidity level in your home is too high, you may need a run a dehumidifier to bring the moisture levels down.
2. Keep Quick-Relief Medications on Hand
Be sure you have fast-acting medications to treat asthma symptoms on hand at all times, especially when humidity is high. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol inhalers, are one of the most popular of these medications. Also make sure you know how to use these medications properly and when to notify your doctor if they are not bringing you sufficient relief.
3. Skip Outdoor Workouts
Exercise by itself is already a potential asthma trigger, so when combined with high humidity, it’s a one-two punch. On days when the outdoor humidity is high, only workout indoors in a climate-controlled space.
4. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
Work with an asthma specialist to develop a personalized asthma action plan that effectively manages your symptoms. If you are in Tampa Bay and don’t already have an asthma provider, or if you are unhappy with your current asthma treatment, AllergyTampa.com is here to help. Our team of qualified and reputable medical specialists treats thousands of patients with asthma each year, helping them breathe easier no matter the weather conditions. To get started on the path toward total asthma symptom control, schedule an appointment with us by calling (813) 971-9743.
