Exercise With Asthma This Spring in Lawrenceville, GA

Springtime in Lawrenceville brings warmer weather and beautiful blooms, but it also brings high pollen counts that can make outdoor workouts a struggle for asthma sufferers. If you love jogging through Rhodes Jordan Park or playing spring sports but find yourself wheezing and short of breath, you don’t have to stay indoors. At The Allergy & Asthma Center’s Lawrenceville clinic, our board-certified allergists, Dr. Jon E. Stahlman, MD, and Dr. Deidre D. Crocker, MD, understand the unique overlap of seasonal spring allergies and exercise-induced asthma. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 565 Old Norcross Rd. Lawrenceville, GA, 30046.

Spring is almost here and many of us are thinking about spending more time being active outdoors. This may be with running, hiking, swimming or just a walk around the neighborhood. Maybe it is finally time to follow those New Year’s resolutions about exercise. For those of us with asthma and allergies, it pays to think ahead about the challenges Mother Nature may have in store for us. Here are several topics to think about before you head into the great outdoors:

1. Be prepared!

Spring pollen starts in late February and reaches its peak in mid-April. We suggest starting your allergy medications before the end of February if you have spring allergies, hay fever, or asthma that is seasonal in nature. This may include nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, leukotriene blockers like Singulair, or your asthma inhalers (inhaled steroids). Some of these medications take up to two weeks to fully protect you from your allergies.

2. Exercise outside with caution

Pollen counts can be excessive from mid-March to mid-April, so be flexible about your workout routine and think about mixing in some days indoors at the gym. After a day or two of rain, you may find it easier to be outside. Take caution with your time outside if you are allergic to stinging insects, and always bring your EpiPen. If you have asthma, tuck your inhaler in a pocket or backpack for your excursions or workouts.

3. Be careful with new routines

If you have exercise-induced asthma, please add a slow warm-up to your routine. The warmer weather can be a trigger for bronchospasms of the lungs. Also remember to use your albuterol or Ventolin inhaler 15 minutes before a vigorous workout to prevent symptoms. If you are trying a new energy bar or snack on the road or with a friend, read labels carefully if you have a food allergy. Finally, use caution if you are trying new workouts at the gym with rubber mats or balls if you have a latex sensitivity.

The team at The Allergy & Asthma Center wants you and your family to enjoy the spring season with good health. Let us know how we can help you better manage your seasonal allergies or asthma anytime! For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 565 Old Norcross Rd. Lawrenceville, GA, 30046. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Snellville GA, Suwanee GA, Dacula GA, Grayson GA, Duluth GA, and the surrounding areas.