Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by narrowing of the airways in response to triggers. It is marked by bronchospasm, inflammation, and excessive mucus production. The monsoon season itself can precipitate asthma attacks. The following are some factors that can trigger an asthma attack during the monsoon:
Cold weather: The low temperatures during the monsoon can cause the release of histamine in the airways, leading to asthma symptoms like cough and wheezing.
Increased spore levels: During this season, the spore count in the environment tends to rise. Pollens and spores are known triggers for asthma attacks.
Dampness: Continuous rain and lack of sunlight can increase humidity in the atmosphere. Damp conditions promote the growth of fungi, which can exacerbate asthma attacks and other respiratory diseases.
Reduced sun exposure: With fewer daylight hours during the monsoon, there is a decrease in vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to flare-ups of asthma attacks.
Allergens and microbial infections: Various viruses and microorganisms are prevalent during the monsoon season. House dust mites and molds thrive in damp environments, leading to allergies and an increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Children, who breathe more rapidly than adults, are particularly susceptible to these conditions during the monsoon season
Dr Nishtha Singh is a Senior Chest Consultant and Executive Director at Asthma Bhawan, Jaipur. She has delivered talks at both national and international levels. She has presented her research papers in ERS 2011, ERS 2016 and APSR 2017. She was awarded the Best Research paper Award at Broncocon 2019 and the Prestigious ICS Best Lung India Publication at NAPCON 2019. 20 of her research studies have been published in renowned journals. She has specialized in various procedures and has pioneered EBUS in Rajasthan, India. She has been a part of the national coordinator team of the ILD India Registry, which was the pioneering study on ILD patients of India.
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