Forward Planning and Anticipation for the Warmer Season

My asthma has not been great for ages, and I really need to book an appointment to see my doctor. We have experienced a very long winter here in the UK, and what with other illnesses, I have struggled to get my breathing back to a normal state.

Now, we are starting to enter the warmer season, and historically speaking, that’s when my asthma is at its worst. The summer months can be dangerous times for people with asthma. The air is denser and pollen levels are high. All of my hospital admissions have been during the long hot summers so I need to get prepared.

Planning ahead and not exerting myself too much

Usually, by this stage in the year, I am on track and ready to roll with the oncoming months. Today I am flagging. I am sitting here writing this article but I feel if I exert myself too much, even if it is a trip to my local store, I will most likely need to take my Ventolin inhaler.

My feelings of insecurity and anxiety are high. I hate the fact that I need medications to keep me alive. The thought of this is so scary to me. Sure, I am lucky to have access to these wonderful drugs in the first place, but I just wish I did not need to heavily rely upon them so much. I know I have to get a move on fast with things and get well before the warmer weather comes. Planning ahead is absolutely vital.

What can I do?

Well, for a start, I try and keep well-hydrated. In the summer months, the air is heavier and I sweat more. This can lead to my airways becoming restricted and narrowing causing my asthma to trigger. If I keep my body well hydrated this symptom is less likely to happen.

The incredible technology that we have access to allows me to put my hand in my pocket, pull out my cell phone, and check the weather forecast. By knowing what the air quality and temperature are doing, I can make decisions to either stay home or take precautions such as sun creams, wearing the appropriate clothing, etc.

Relying on my meds in the warmer season with asthma and allergies

Recently, I have relied too heavily upon my antihistamine pills (Hydrochloride), to keep my allergies at bay and to help me sleep and I must make an effort to slowly come off them. The reason is, I will more than likely need to have them every single day during the hotter months. Again, I do not like the fact that I need all these medicines to keep me from being sick, but what can you do?!

Another medication I save for the summer is my Montelukast which my doctor prescribed for me over ten years or so. This drug helps to zap away the mucus that forms in my airways, and since having access to this medicine, I have not needed emergency treatment. I make sure to use them sparingly because they have quite a lot of side effects.

I know I will keep my head above water. It is simply a case of keeping focused. It's easy to lose focus and not plan properly.

Do warmer months have an impact on your asthma and allergies? How do you plan for the warmer seasons? Share your story with the community by clicking the button below.

Editor's Note:Singulair (montelukast) has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because it may cause mood or behavior changes. Because of these possible changes, the benefits of Singulair may not outweigh the risks in some people. Singulair should only be used by people with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) who have not responded to or cannot take other treatments. If you have any mood or behavior changes when taking Singulair, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor right away. For more information about Singulair and to access prescribing information, please visit this page.¹