I love the Holidays and all the hustle and bustle that it brings. One piece that my family needs to remember is that yes, even though our asthma is under control, there are seasonal triggers mixed in with all that hustle and bustle! I wanted to share our seasonal triggers and ask you what yours are too–sometimes they are hidden and by sharing we learn more! Although, recently, my son’s triggers have shifted to cold air and cold drinks with ice. So, be aware that they can change over with environment, growth and hormones.
Some potential Holiday Asthma Triggers…
[unordered_list style=”red-x”]- Fire place smoke-as much as my hubby believes he is king of the fire place, our house can easily fill up with fireplace smoke.
- Scented candles. I have yet to find the secret formula. Some scents and brands are just fine for us while others are not?
- Fresh Christmas trees with strong scents (this makes me sad, I love the pine smell).
- Animal hair – some cats and dogs.
- Cold air .
- Certain types of incense.
- Any kind of tobacco smoke.
- Perfumes-ladies, I love a good scent, but these can really send asthmatics going.
- Dust (think holiday items packed away in the attic). I actually wipe down all boxes from the garage or storage before they come into the house, wash all holiday themed dish towels, etc, and wipe down decorations.
- Colds and flu. For my family, if we don’t sleep enough, eat well or rest during the holidays our bodies say, “welcome germs, come visit us”. Therefore, we wash our hands when we arrive home, drinks plenty of fluids and try to not over do it.
I change my air filter monthly and I pay close attention during the winter months as dust collects!
Basically, in the winter, we have the tendency to keep our windows shut, so germs, animal hair, dust and particulates are simply trapped inside houses. Therefore, consider opening up your windows and running an air filter, including changing out your HVAC air filters (I now use the Lysol ones) monthly.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Hi, my two lovely children are asthma free until the cold weather arrives, the harsh wind is terrible for their lungs, so i always get them to wrap up warm, coats done right up!! A good quality vit C & D and echinecea or immune booster, from a good quality health food shop. Works well for me and the children. xx
Paula, thanks for joining our conversation. Oh the wind! That darn wind has caused me more issues. Hope you all make it through the winter without any asthma episodes
Thank you for this timely reminder. Our 10 year old son must stay away from all of these, but most of all, his food allergens. Just being around peanuts, tree nuts or milk items and breathing in any dust, scents or if these items are/were just baking…it can be very risky. We’ve had a few scenarios like that and it’s taught us the only choice is to be prepared at all times. Makes for major flexibility so we can head off that sadness/disappointment stuff, socially speaking (having to duck out of a gathering early, etc.).