Pollen and asthma: what to do when night-time coughing gets worse in spring
Spring asthma attacks often involve pollen exposure combined with other factors. Changes in symptoms are worth recording carefully.
Why spring can be unstable
In spring, pollen levels rise, the temperature varies a lot between day and night, and respiratory infections are also more common. Together, these factors can make asthma that was well controlled become unstable. This may show up as more coughing at night, chest tightness after activity, or needing to use relief medicine often.
A few things you can do
- Keep a symptom diary: when symptoms happen, what you were doing, what medicine you took and how well it worked
- Wear a well-fitting mask when you go out. When you get home, change your clothes, wash your face, and rinse your nose
- Keep pollen out of the bedroom: air the room briefly, clean with a damp cloth, and bring dried laundry back inside
- Take your medicine as set out in your doctor's plan and go to follow-up visits on time. Do not reduce or stop your medicine on your own just because you feel better
When to see a doctor right away
If you find it hard to speak, are breathing fast, your lips turn blue, or your relief medicine works much less well or you need it more and more often, see a doctor as soon as possible or call 120 (the emergency number in China). Asthma care depends on long-term, consistent treatment and follow-up. A seasonal change in symptoms is usually a sign that you need a review with your doctor, not something to push through on your own.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.