Asthma and Allergies: A Seasonal Challenge
As the crisp days of autumn roll in, so do the allergy triggers that many people dread. Between August and November, ragweed pollen becomes one of the primary causes of outdoor allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. This is particularly concerning for the estimated 24 million Americans living with asthma, who may find their symptoms worsening during this time.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, a renowned pulmonologist and Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health, highlights that asthma is not just a seasonal concern but a long-term condition. “Asthma is a long-term condition that affects your ability to breathe. The airways become swollen and narrow, making it difficult to inhale and exhale properly,” Dr. Dasgupta explains.
While asthma can affect people of all ages, it frequently begins in childhood. Research published in Frontiers in Pediatrics indicates that nearly 80% of asthma cases emerge before the age of six. However, asthma can also develop later in life and be triggered by a variety of factors including allergens, pollution, or stress.
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma is a condition with a wide variety of triggers, both environmental and internal. Indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold can spark symptoms in asthma patients. Outdoor allergens, including pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, also play a significant role, particularly in the fall when ragweed pollen becomes prevalent.
But it isn’t just allergens that can cause an asthma flare-up. Air pollution, respiratory infections, cold weather, and even strong emotions or stress can trigger an attack. The key to managing asthma lies in identifying and avoiding these triggers wherever possible, while also maintaining a solid treatment plan to handle unexpected flare-ups.
Recognizing the Typical Asthma Symptoms
Most people are aware of the standard symptoms associated with asthma. These include:
- Shortness of breath – Feeling winded or unable to catch your breath, especially during physical activity.
- Chest tightness – A sensation of constriction in the chest, making it difficult to breathe deeply.
- Wheezing – A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing, especially on exhalation.
While these symptoms are well-known, they don’t tell the whole story. Asthma can manifest in ways that are less obvious, leading many people to overlook important warning signs.
The Most Overlooked Asthma Symptom: Persistent Coughing
A persistent cough is one of the most common yet frequently overlooked symptoms of asthma. Dr. Dasgupta points out that many asthma patients experience a cough that worsens at night or during physical activity, but they often attribute it to other causes, such as allergies or a lingering cold.
“This cough often gets worse at night or when you’re exercising,” Dr. Dasgupta says. “The symptoms can vary a lot from person to person, sometimes flaring up when you’re around smoke, dust, or pet dander.”
Unlike coughs caused by colds or respiratory infections, asthma-related coughing is typically dry. This means there isn’t much mucus production, and the cough may come and go depending on the triggers present. If you notice yourself coughing frequently, especially at night or during exercise, this could be an early warning sign of asthma that shouldn’t be ignored.
Fatigue: Another Surprising Asthma Symptom
Another unexpected symptom that may indicate asthma is fatigue. Dr. Andrea Espinoza, MD, a board-certified pulmonologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the LSU Health Sciences Center, explains that many people fail to connect their exhaustion to asthma.
“People often assume they are either pushing themselves too hard, feeling lazy, or that they’re ‘getting older’,” says Dr. Espinoza. “In reality, the inability to breathe properly due to a bronchospasm can significantly affect the physical reserve of any person, regardless of their age.”
Fatigue can be particularly dangerous for younger athletes who might try to push through the exhaustion, putting themselves at risk of more serious complications. Properly diagnosing and managing asthma is crucial to preventing these outcomes.
How Asthma is Diagnosed and Treated
If your cough or fatigue is linked to asthma, there are several ways to manage the condition. Asthma treatment typically involves a combination of daily medications for long-term control and quick-relief bronchodilator inhalers for sudden symptoms.
“Inhaled corticosteroids are often prescribed for long-term management,” explains Dr. Dasgupta. These medications help reduce inflammation in the airways, keeping them open and reducing the likelihood of an asthma attack. Quick-relief inhalers, on the other hand, are used during an asthma attack to rapidly open the airways and restore normal breathing.
Dr. Dasgupta also stresses the importance of knowing your triggers. “It’s crucial to avoid them as much as possible,” he advises. For some, this may mean avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons, while others may need to focus on improving air quality in their homes to reduce exposure to indoor allergens.
When to Seek Medical Help
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests that if you’re experiencing frequent coughing—two or more times a week—or if your cough is unpredictable or severe, you should seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider, whether a general practitioner, allergist, or pulmonologist, can help create a personalized asthma management plan.
“As a pulmonologist, I see first-hand how important it is for patients to get their asthma under control – instead of feeling like they’re in an ongoing cycle of short-term relief,” says Dr. Espinoza. She advises patients to ask their doctors about all available treatment options and to consider being evaluated for type 2 inflammation, a specific type of immune response that can cause asthma.
Take Control of Your Asthma for a Healthier Future
Asthma can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right treatment plan, patients can regain control over their symptoms. Understanding the lesser-known symptoms, such as persistent coughing and fatigue, can help catch asthma early and lead to more effective management.
With fall allergy season in full swing, now is the time to be vigilant. Don’t ignore that lingering cough or unexplained fatigue. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan could make all the difference, helping you breathe easier and live a more comfortable life.
