Extreme heat and cold, wildfire smoke, flooding, pollen and poor air quality can all make asthma harder to manage. Changes in weather patterns toward hotter summers and unstable climates are impacting Vermont along with other places around the world. These changes introduce challenges in managing asthma and other respiratory health conditions.
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, are common asthma triggers. Dry, hot and cold air can irritate or cause a spasm, or tightening, of the airways. Extreme heat and humidity can increase the thickness of mucus. And rapid changes between temperatures can also trigger flare-ups.
What to do when there are extreme temperatures
Vermont's vegetation, growing seasons, wind patterns and other environmental conditions have been changing, contributing to longer pollen seasons, increased dust and other air pollutants.
These changes can create new challenges for people with allergies and asthma, especially those who are sensitive to pollen, dust and airborne particles. Monitoring air quality, including pollen levels, can help you avoid peak exposures.
What to do when pollen and air quality are poor
Wildfire smoke can significantly worsen air quality. People with asthma (and other lung disease), heart disease, older adults, children and athletes are especially at risk.
What to do when there’s wildfire smoke
Extreme weather has increased the risk of flooding in many areas of Vermont. Flooding can disrupt emergency and healthcare services and create additional asthma triggers, including stress, damp conditions and mold. As floodwaters recede, damp air and mold can become a significant health risk, especially for people with asthma, infants and children, and those with other respiratory conditions.
What to do when there’s a flood
Heat, flooding, mold, high pollen and wildfire smoke can occur at the same time. When multiple asthma triggers overlap, they can make symptoms worse and increase the risk of an asthma flare-up.
