Asthma, Allergies & Lung Infections in the Summer – How to Deal

Typically, lung infections and asthma attacks happen more often during the winter, but they are still very likely to occur in late spring and summer months–those months that are high-season for allergies. People who have respiratory conditions are naturally more affected than those whose lungs function normally.

When anyone else catches a cold or a respiratory infection, they may feel ill, take some antibiotics, and recover in a few days. But for someone with asthma or an underlying lung condition, an asthmatic flare-up and difficulty breathing from an infection can mean a trip to the hospital!

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, worldwide, the rise in prevalence of allergic diseases has continued in the industrialized world for more than 50 years. Approximately 25 million Americans suffer from asthma today.

Staying Inside Doesn’t Mean You Are Safer from Allergies & Lung Infections

Numerous outside allergies sometimes make people want to hermit indoors, as they can feel their seasonal allergy symptoms can be avoided by staying inside. And who would blame them? Steering clear of pollen, grasses, trees, and weeds that can cause asthma attacks and severe allergic reactions seems like a pretty good idea.

However, staying indoors doesn’t mean you are protected from both allergies and lung infections. For example, people who work indoors are often forced to be in close quarters with many others, making it much easier to spread infections. The circulated air via the building’s furnace and air ducts can also cause infections if the intake air or ducts contain bacteria. 

If you spend a lot of time indoors with other people during the summer, there is a high chance that sickness can spread. Air conditioning units that are not maintained and cleaned properly every year can be a major source of infection-causing bacteria. And, let’s not forget about allergies alone–the dust, and even mold, can certainly trigger allergy and asthma attacks.

Summer Seasonal Allergies Are Rough

We are able to get outside more often for fresh air in the summertime, but we also need to consider all the things that can make us sick during this time of year. While seasonal allergies can be worse in the spring, summertime brings its own set of problems for allergy sufferers. 

The most common summer pollen trigger is grass pollen, which can become widespread on windy and warm days. Because grass pollen spreads via wind and not insects, it’s easier to inhale and develop allergic symptoms. Ragweed pollen also arrives in the late summer and early fall, compounding symptoms for allergy sufferers. 

Bacteria from mold that is outside can be quite prevalent during times when it rains frequently and humidity is highest, usually in early summer. Mold spores along with outdoor bacteria can be a main source of cases of allergic exacerbations and respiratory infections during the summertime.

Asthma Is No Joke: A Serious Disease That Affects Many

More than 339 million people worldwide have asthma. Asthma causes sporadic breathing difficulties and affects people of all ages. Asthma and allergies can occur together; the same substances that trigger allergy symptoms can also trigger asthma signs and symptoms.

Asthma attack signs and symptoms include:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Coughing or wheezing
• Symptoms that fail to respond to the use of a quick-acting rescue inhaler

Signs and symptoms of an asthma attack vary from person to person. An asthma attack is extremely serious and can be life-threatening. If asthma symptoms do not improve or get worse after you take your medication, you may need emergency treatment.

Temperature Does Not Play a Factor in Lung Infections

Contrary to what you may have been told, heard, or possibly even experienced, a change in temperature DOES NOT cause you to get sick. You can only get sick from either bacteria or a virus. The reason you might have caught a cold in early summer is because when you get wet and when it gets chilly, you most likely went indoors and increased the chances of catching a bug from someone else who already had it, even if they weren’t showing any symptoms of it yet.

Limit Your Exposure with Face Masks

Not all people coping with allergies and asthma know the breathing benefits of face masks. When used and worn properly, an anti pollution mask can be your best friend! Our face masks present a physical barrier between you and the allergens, and go further to actually filter out submicron particles:

• Block up to 99.997% of airborne pathogens
• Block allergens
• Protect against pollen and airborne contaminants down to 0.1 microns
• Help prevent the spread of respiratory infections

Comfortable to Wear in the Summer

The most asked question about wearing face masks we get is: are they comfortable? 

People can be hesitant to wear a face mask, especially in the summertime. Sometimes those with asthma find it difficult to breathe in the summer while wearing a face mask. However, we manufacture our anti pollution masks with a knit fabric that is soft to the skin, and super breathable. It has been treated with a water-resistant solution to ensure moisture management. They will not pill and will not itch you.

Reusable and Washable Face Masks for Daily Use

One very important aspect of face masks people consider when purchasing is whether the mask is reusable and washable. Reusing and recycling masks not only provides a more convenient way of wearing masks for you, but also helps the environment, contributing to less waste. 

Debrief Me® anti-pollution masks are reusable washable face masks. So, by choosing to purchase and use our masks, you will reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste. Many countries have urged the public to use reusable face masks where possible in order to avoid the growing mountains of disposable face mask waste. 

Disposable masks can be cheap, simple masks that may be too hot, uncomfortable and don’t fit your face well enough to ensure nothing in the air won’t get in.

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) have concluded reusable masks are just as effective as a single-use mask for creating a barrier and reducing exposure for allergies and asthmatic irritants.

How to Take Care of Your Reusable Mask

• Hand wash your face mask at least once a week or more if necessary. If you use your mask for long periods of time while in a very dusty and smoky environment, you will need to wash your mask daily.
• Wash your mask with warm water and a mild soap, power or detergent. If your skin is sensitive, then use a non-allergic soap. Do not use a washing machine detergent as many contain a natural or synthetic bleach that can fade the mask.
• Do not bleach.
• Air dry to preserve mask shape.
• Do not wash the filters! Once you have reached the maximum hours of use according to the instructions, you will have to throw the filter away.
• X99 masks can be washed together with the breathing valve. You do not need to remove the valve, it can be washed with flowing water.

Wash Your Hands!

Even during the summer, along with wearing an anti pollution face mask, you still need to be diligent and do the things that will help prevent you from getting sick. Washing your hands frequently is always highly recommended! Watch this video by WHO on how to properly wash your hands.

Find The Face Mask For You

Allergy and asthma sufferers from all walks of life can benefit from wearing a face mask in our ever-changing environment. To learn more about all our masks and which anti pollution mask can help you, contact Debrief Me today.