Living with allergies and asthma can be uncomfortable, especially during arid Arizona's spring and fall months. However, learning to recognize your common triggers and developing an action plan can help manage your symptoms.

This guide addresses key points to help you stay safe during peak allergy season, including: 

• How to recognize and avoid common allergy triggers
• Creating an asthma action plan that works for you
• When to seek medical help for asthma symptoms
• Managing seasonal allergies with outdoor precautions
• Understanding coverage options for asthma care
  

 

Just because you're living with asthma doesn't mean you have to let it control every aspect of your life.

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Need an allergy and asthma clinic near you? Valle del Sol has spent over 50 years helping foster a healthier local community. Our integrated approach to health care and our asthma management programs help people breathe easier year-round. 

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How to Recognize & Avoid Common Allergy Triggers

Asthma symptoms are often exacerbated by allergies. Some environmental allergy triggers can be avoided or mitigated, but others require a bit more finesse to manage. The most common allergens that trigger asthma attacks include:

• Pollen. Pollen is common in spring and fall and can irritate airways or trigger an asthma attack. Check daily pollen counts before heading outdoors and minimize time spent outside when they're high.
• Air pollution and smoke. Poor air quality tends to trigger asthma attacks, and wildfire smoke can make it worse. Secondhand smoke can also be a major trigger. Try to avoid being around active smokers and monitor air quality reports. 
• Mold & dust mites. Indoors, mold and dust mites are common triggers for allergy attacks and asthma symptoms. Routine cleaning and vacuuming can help, but be sure to check your ductwork and HVAC air filters as well.
• Pet dander. Even hypoallergenic pets still shed dander, which can be a big asthma trigger. Regular vacuuming and running an air purifier can help, but try to keep pets out of the bedroom and high-traffic areas.

Creating an Asthma Action Plan That Works for You

Creating a personalized asthma action plan helps you monitor and manage your asthma and seasonal allergy symptoms for control year-round. Make a tailored plan with your healthcare provider while paying special attention to these points:

• Daily management. Track your symptoms to identify your common triggers, and monitor when they're likely to be worse and adjust any seasonal allergy relief medications as necessary.
• Rescue medication use. Quick-relief inhalers can be literal lifesavers during a flare-up. Identify when using one is necessary and be sure you're familiar with how to use it.
• Emergency response plan. If symptoms worsen despite using your rescue inhaler, it's time to seek urgent care.

When to Seek Medical Help for Asthma Symptoms

You should never take your asthma symptoms lightly, as they can quickly cause serious complications. Seek help from an allergy and asthma center if you use a rescue inhaler regularly, notice flare-ups at night, or experience an increased shortness of breath. Valle del Sol offers comprehensive asthma management programs across the Phoenix area, including specialist care, allergy testing, and personalized treatment plans.

Some signs should never be ignored and indicate a need for emergency medical attention, including:

• Wheezing that doesn't improve or worsens after using your rescue inhaler
• Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath
• Blue lips or nailbeds

Managing Seasonal Allergies With Outdoor Precautions

Spending time outdoors is important for your overall health but can be difficult with seasonal allergies and asthma. With proper planning, you can enjoy your outdoor adventures. Consider implementing these tips:

• Exercise and spend time outside in the early morning or late evening. Pollen counts tend to be lower.
• Protect your eyes from allergens with sunglasses, and consider an N95 mask on high-pollen days.
• Shower and change your clothes when you get home to prevent prolonged exposure to allergens. 
• Join local events, like those hosted by Valle del Sol, that encourage movement while also promoting asthma awareness.
  

Understanding Coverage Options for Asthma Care

You shouldn't feel like you have to avoid asthma treatment because of concerns about cost. Several coverage options can make it more affordable.

Medicare and Medicaid often cover the cost of asthma screenings, prescription medications, and inhalers. The team at Valle del Sol can help you determine what's covered by your insurance and guide you through treatment options. If you're uninsured, consider seeking affordable care with sliding-scale payment options to help reduce costs.

Join Our Local Asthma Awareness Event

At Valle del Sol, we're here for you every step of your health and wellness journey. Reach out to schedule an appointment or join a local asthma awareness event for more support.

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