May marks Asthma Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the 25+ million Americans affected by this chronic respiratory condition.
For those with asthma, warmer weather means more time outside, but it also brings potential triggers like pollen, heat, and exercise that can cause flare-ups.
At Amory Urgent Care, we help individuals manage asthma symptoms year-round, especially during the seasonal changes that Mississippi brings in the spring and summer months.
Whether you’re living with chronic asthma or experiencing exercise-induced asthma symptoms for the first time, it’s essential to know how to protect your lungs and when to seek urgent care.
Continue reading to learn more.
Why Outdoor Activities Can Trigger Asthma Attacks
Outdoor fun is a staple of Mississippi life in May, but many common factors in the environment can cause asthma symptoms to worsen. These include:
- High pollen levels from blooming trees and grasses.
- Poor air quality from ozone or pollution.
- Humidity and extreme heat which can make breathing more difficult.
- Physical exertion during running, biking, or sports.
- Smoke or allergens from cookouts, bonfires, or landscaping work.
These triggers can lead to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), a condition that causes the airways to narrow during or after physical activity. EIB affects many people with asthma, especially children and young adults.
Signs You’re Having an Asthma Flare-Up
Not sure if your symptoms are related to asthma? Watch for these warning signs:
- Coughing, especially at night or after activity.
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing.
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness.
- Fatigue or reduced ability to exercise.
- Feeling like you can’t catch your breath.
If symptoms worsen or don’t respond to your usual inhaler, visit Amory Urgent Care or the closest local emergency room for immediate support.
How to Manage Asthma While Staying Active
Having asthma doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines. With the right strategies, you can enjoy the outdoors safely:
1. Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
Work with your primary care provider to develop a personalized plan that outlines what to do daily and during flare-ups. Your plan should include medication schedules, symptom monitoring, and emergency steps.
2. Take Preventive Medication
If you use a rescue inhaler or corticosteroid inhaler, take it as prescribed before outdoor activities. This can help reduce the risk of symptoms during exercise or pollen exposure.
3. Time Your Outdoor Activities
Pollen counts are typically higher in the morning and on dry, windy days. Try to schedule walks or workouts in the late afternoon or after rain when pollen levels drop.
4. Breathe Through Your Nose
While this may seem obvious, intentionally breathing through your nose helps warm and humidify the air before it reaches your lungs, reducing airway irritation.
5. Wear a Mask or Allergy Filter
During peak allergy season, a mask can reduce pollen inhalation and help you breathe easier.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Asthma Symptoms
While many asthma symptoms can be managed at home, certain situations require immediate medical attention.
Visit Amory Urgent Care if you experience:
- Symptoms that don’t improve with your inhaler.
- Rapid or shallow breathing.
- Blue lips or fingernails.
- Trouble speaking in complete sentences.
- Chest pain or tightness that worsens.
Our team can provide breathing treatments, prescribe medications, and help you get back to feeling like yourself fast. We also offer urgent care for asthma if you’re without a primary care doctor or can’t wait for an appointment.
For life-threatening asthma emergencies, dial 9-1-1 now.
Breathe Easier This Season with Amory Urgent Care
Your lungs shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying Mississippi’s beauty.
Whether you’re adjusting your asthma action plan, managing a sudden flare-up, or exploring treatment for exercise-induced asthma, our providers are here for you.
Amory Urgent Care is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and no appointment is needed. Walk in or call (662) 256-5612 to get the care you need and breathe easier all summer long.