Asthma Triggers in Our Environment: We Cannot Continue to Ignore Them.

Recently, DailyBreath shared information from the 2022 Allergy Capitals Report. This report is from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and ranks the top allergy capitals in the U.S. This was part of our Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month campaign. In May.

On our Twitter feed, we counted down the allergy capitals from #31 to #1. We included the specific allergens in every city listed. The aim was to show that each city has a unique set of allergens that may worsen your allergy and/or asthma symptoms. Allergens are personal. They may get worse or better over time. And new allergens can appear at any time.

Lately, you may have noticed ads on TV or the radio for the newest medicine for asthma, known as biologics. For some people with hard-to-control asthma, biologics can help reduce asthma attacks. But, even with these new and exciting asthma medicines, we need to remember they are only one piece of the puzzle. Along with the right medicines, controlling indoor and outdoor triggers are key to managing asthma. Environmental triggers are always present and always a risk. Identifying, reducing, and avoiding asthma triggers should not be ignored or forgotten.

It is important for people with asthma to be aware of the latest asthma medicines. And biologics are an effective treatment for many with severe, persistent asthma. But relying only on medicines to manage asthma can be dangerous. Biologics reduce symptoms and are not a cure. Asthma triggers like allergens, irritants, and changes in weather are not going away. In fact, due to a changing climate, they are getting worse.

We cannot control the daily weather or outdoor environmental conditions that we experience.  Another piece of the asthma puzzle is managing our reaction to these triggers. DailyBreath, available in the App Store or in Google Play, can help you better understand how the environment may impact your asthma. When you understand your triggers, you can develop a plan to reduce and avoid them. This can prevent asthma symptoms and attacks.

The more you know how to manage your asthma, the more empowered you will be. A good asthma management plan includes taking your medicines as directed by your doctor and reducing triggers. Check the DailyBreath app every morning for a forecast of the daily weather and environmental triggers.

DISCLAIMER: This article is meant for information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your asthma triggers and the best way to reduce or avoid them. Take your medicines as directed by your doctor, and always have your quick-relief inhaler with you in case you have symptoms.