Asthma affects about 5 million kids in the United States, causing chronic breathing problems, like wheezing, coughing, and sneezing. For many parents, springtime brings significant challenges when it comes to managing their child’s asthma and avoiding potentially serious flare-ups.
At Nevada Pediatric Specialists, our team is skilled in helping parents and kids manage asthma symptoms all year with medication when needed and personal asthma action plans featuring lifestyle tips. Here, learn why asthma symptoms are often worse in the spring and what you and your child can do about it.
For kids in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, moderate winter temperatures mean they can play outdoors without worrying about extreme cold. But just because the area enjoys temperate winters, that doesn’t mean spring doesn’t come with significant changes in the environment — like a flush of native wildflowers that peak right around now.
Exploring the area’s diverse plant life is a great reason for parents and kids to get outside and share some time together in spring. But it also means there’s a lot of pollen in the air. For kids with asthma, that means an increase in asthma symptoms, too.
That’s because pollen often triggers an allergic reaction — sometimes called allergic asthma — prompting your child’s immune system to identify pollen as a harmful invader. In turn, the immune system releases chemicals that cause respiratory reactions, like narrow airways, mucus production, and breathing difficulties.
Spring weather changes make symptoms worse, too. April tends to be especially windy in and around Las Vegas. That means it’s a lot easier for pollen to spread, even if you don’t live near areas with blooming plants. That’s true whether your child is outside or indoors with the windows open.
If your child has asthma, you can play a proactive role in preventing spring flare-ups with these simple tips.
An asthma action plan is essential for any child — or adult — suffering from asthma, identifying triggers and spelling out what steps to take in case of a flare-up or an emergency. But action plans aren’t meant to be fixed; they can change over time as your child’s needs and symptoms change.
Have your doctor evaluate your child’s plan on a regular basis. If symptoms are becoming more severe or more frequent, schedule an office visit so we can update the plan as soon as possible. You can find a sample plan here.
You can track pollen count just as you track the weather. Websites like this one make it easy. Tracking the pollen count helps you limit or avoid outdoor activities when the count is high, choosing indoor fun instead.
Whole-house air filtration systems, air conditioners, and furnaces are great for improving indoor air quality and comfort levels, but they can also harbor dust and germs. Change filters regularly, and be sure to use filters that can remove very small particles like pollen and spores.
If your child has been playing outdoors, have them wash their hands and face and change their clothes right away when they come inside for the day. If you keep your windows open, dust and vacuum frequently to get rid of pollen, and wash bedding frequently, too.
Having an asthma action plan in place is important, and it’s a good idea to evaluate and update that plan as your child’s needs and triggers change over time. For help managing your child’s asthma this spring and all year long, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Nevada Pediatric Specialists today.
