Breathe Easier This Fall

Fall can be a beautiful season, with cooler mornings, changing leaves, and more time outdoors. But for many adults, it can also be a harder season for breathing.

Ragweed pollen, mold from damp leaves, wildfire smoke, dust, colder air, and more respiratory viruses can all irritate the lungs. These triggers may cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, especially for people with asthma, COPD, allergies, or other lung conditions.

Respiratory conditions are common in the United States. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports that nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma, including about 23 million adults. The American Lung Association also notes that more than 35 million people in the U.S. live with chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD.

Flu and RSV often become more active from October through March, and COVID-19 can also rise at different times of year.  In California, public health officials note that respiratory viruses can circulate year-round, but some are more active in fall and winter. This makes prevention and planning even more important.

There are simple steps that may help you breathe easier:

• Check the air quality and pollen count before spending a long time outside.
• On smoky, windy, or high-pollen days, keep windows closed. If your HVAC system has an outside-air intake, set it to recirculate. Consider using a portable air cleaner if one is available.
• After being outdoors, change clothes and shower to remove pollen and mold spores. If you rake leaves or garden, consider wearing a well-fitting mask and gloves, and avoid handling wet leaves when possible.
• Keep taking daily controller medicines as prescribed, and carry your quick-relief inhaler if you use one.
• Stay up to date on vaccines recommended by your health care provider, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines if you are eligible.

If you notice worsening symptoms, need your rescue inhaler more often, wake up coughing, or feel short of breath during normal activities, contact your health care provider. Fall does not have to take your breath away. With a few smart habits and a clear action plan, you can enjoy the season and protect your lungs.

Sources:

• Asthma Facts, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
• Trends in Lung Disease, American Lung Association
• California Respiratory Virus Dashboard, California Department of Public Health
• Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• RSV Vaccines for Adults, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• When to Seek Care for Asthma, American Lung Association