How To Enjoy Outdoor Activities With Asthma In Summer?

Summer is a time for outdoor fun and activities, but for people with asthma, it can also bring challenges. Asthma is a condition that affects the airways, making it difficult to breathe when they become inflamed or narrowed.

Heat, humidity, pollen and pollution can all act as triggers, potentially leading to asthma attacks. However, with proper management and a few precautionary steps, you can still enjoy your summer activities without letting asthma hold you back. Here's how:

What are the Asthma Triggers in Summer?

Summer can be a challenging season for people with asthma due to a variety of environmental factors that can exacerbate symptoms. Understanding these triggers is important for managing asthma effectively and enjoying the season safely.

1. Heat and Humidity: High temperatures and humid air can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Hot air can cause the airways to narrow, while humidity can increase the presence of mould and dust mites.
2. Pollen: Summer is the peak season for grass and tree pollen, which are common asthma triggers. Pollen levels are typically higher in the morning and on windy days.
3. Pollution: Ozone and other pollutants tend to rise with the temperature, particularly in urban areas. Pollution can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
4. Exercise: Physical activity can trigger asthma, especially when combined with other summer triggers like pollen and pollution.

Managing Asthma with Medications

Managing asthma effectively, especially during summer, requires the right medications and devices. The AeroChamber is a valuable tool for improving the delivery of inhaled medications, ensuring they reach the lungs more efficiently. This spacer device is particularly useful for children and those who struggle with coordinating inhaler use.

Airflusal Forspiro and Airflusal Inhaler are combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and a long-acting bronchodilator to relax the airway muscles. These medications help prevent asthma attacks and manage daily symptoms, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities.

Airomir is a quick-relief inhaler that contains salbutamol, a fast-acting bronchodilator. It's essential for providing immediate relief during an asthma attack by quickly opening the airways and easing breathing.

How to Manage Asthma in the Summer?

Managing asthma in the summer requires a proactive approach to avoid triggers and minimise symptoms. Here are several strategies to help you enjoy the season while keeping your asthma under control:

1. Use Your Medication Properly: Always have your inhaler with you. Medications like the AeroChamber, Airflusal Forspiro, Airflusal Inhaler and Airomir are designed to help manage and relieve asthma symptoms. Ensure you know how to use them correctly.
2. Monitor Air Quality: Check the air quality index (AQI) daily. On days when the AQI is high, it might be better to stay indoors, especially during the peak hours.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps keep your mucus thin, making it easier to breathe.
4. Avoid Pollen: Try to plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lower, usually late afternoon or after it rains. Keep windows closed at home and in the car to avoid letting pollen inside.
5. Exercise Wisely: Engage in physical activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Warm up properly before exercising and cool down afterwards.
6. Dress Appropriately: Wear light, breathable clothing to stay cool. A hat and sunglasses can protect you from the sun and reduce pollen exposure to your face.
7. Keep Your Home Clean: Use air purifiers and keep windows closed to reduce indoor allergens. Regularly clean your living space to remove dust and mould.

To prevent asthma attacks:

1. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan: Work with our pharmacists to create a personalised asthma action plan. This plan should include how to manage your asthma daily and how to handle worsening symptoms.
2. Know Your Triggers: Identify what specifically triggers your asthma and take steps to avoid or reduce exposure to these triggers.
3. Regular Check-ups: Have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your asthma and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.
4. Medication Adherence: Take your asthma medications as prescribed. Preventive inhalers can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

To find relief from asthma symptoms during the summer:

1. Stay Cool: Use fans, and air conditioning and take cool showers to help lower your body temperature.
2. Take Breaks: If you're outdoors, take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
3. Nasal Rinses: Use saline nasal sprays or rinses to clear pollen and other allergens from your nasal passages.
4. Breathe Through Your Nose: Breathing through your nose can help filter out some of the irritants before they reach your lungs.
5. Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation and breathing techniques to help keep your breathing calm and steady.

Summer Activities for People with Asthma

Having asthma doesn't mean you have to miss out on fun summer activities. With careful planning and a few precautions, you can participate in various outdoor adventures while managing your asthma effectively. Here are some enjoyable summer activities that are generally asthma-friendly:

1. Swimming: Swimming is one of the best exercises for people with asthma. The warm, moist air of indoor pools can be easier to breathe than hot, dry outdoor air.
2. Walking: Enjoy a gentle walk during the cooler parts of the day. Parks and shaded areas can provide a pleasant environment for walking.
3. Cycling: Biking in the early morning or late evening can be a fun way to stay active without exposing yourself to peak pollen and heat.
4. Yoga: Yoga not only improves flexibility and strength but also teaches breathing techniques that can help manage asthma symptoms.
5. Picnics and Barbecues: Enjoy outdoor dining but be mindful of smoke from grills, which can be an asthma trigger. Opt for electric or propane grills instead of charcoal.

Enjoying the UK Summer with Asthma

Summer in the UK is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors. With a little preparation and mindfulness, you can make the most of it without compromising your health. Remember:

• Always carry your inhaler and medication.
• Plan activities during times when pollen counts and pollution levels are low.
• Stay hydrated and cool.
• Follow your asthma action plan and consult your doctor regularly.

By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of asthma attacks and enjoy the summer months to the fullest. Stay active, stay safe and have a wonderful summer!

Stay Prepared and Breathe Easy

Managing asthma in the summer is entirely possible with the right strategies and medications. By understanding your triggers, using medications like the AeroChamber, Airflusal Forspiro, Airflusal Inhaler and Airomir and taking preventive measures, you can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising your health. 

Ensure you have all the necessary medications on hand to manage your symptoms effectively. Explore our website to buy medicines online, including AeroChamber, Airflusal Forspiro, Airflusal Inhaler and Airomir. With convenient online ordering and reliable delivery, we make it easy to get the asthma relief you need. Stay prepared and enjoy your summer activities with confidence. Shop now from us.