humidity and asthma

[t...@mcgov.net]

Hi,

I am a moderate allergy-induced asthma sufferer who has traditionally
had problems with humid weather conditions. I'm not really sure if
humidity is a direct contributor to my asthma attacks... It could just
be that certain allergens "thrive" in humid weather conditions....or
maybe it's all in my head.

Any insight, experiences, or research material would be greatly
appreciated !

Regards,
Tom

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[Kristina Duncan]

I've had the opposite problem. In really low humidity, my asthma goes wild.

<t...@mcgov.net> wrote in message news:8t4h9v$fk6$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...

[Ellis]

t...@mcgov.net wrote:

> I am a moderate allergy-induced asthma sufferer who has traditionally
> had problems with humid weather conditions. I'm not really sure if
> humidity is a direct contributor to my asthma attacks... It could just
> be that certain allergens "thrive" in humid weather conditions....or
> maybe it's all in my head.
>
> Any insight, experiences, or research material would be greatly
> appreciated !
>
> Regards, Tom

The optimum humidity is 30-50% RH.
Higher than 50% encourages dust mites and molds.
Lower than 30% drys out the lungs and nasal passages.

Asthmatics who are sensitive to humid weather are
actually sensitive to mold and pollen in the air,
not the humidity. They will usually find a steam
room actually helps the asthma. See:

http://www.coloradohealthnet.org/asthma/asthma_drugs.html
Asthma Questions and Answers: Medications
Excerpt:

"A humid climate is often associated with large amounts of
perennial allergens such as house dust mites and molds,
a problem that should not be present in a steam room.
Jack Routes, M.D., National Jewish Center for Immunology
and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, CO"
-------------------
Ellis

[Ellis]

Kristina Duncan wrote:
>
> I've had the opposite problem. In really low humidity, my asthma goes wild.
>

Dry air is an asthma trigger, especially if cold. It drys
out the nasal passages and lungs. [Causes crusts in nose,
thickens mucus in lungs].

Optimum humidity is 30-50% RH.

http://www.luhs.org/health/topics/pediatrics/asthma.htm
Excerpt:

"Exercise also can trigger an asthma attack. It is estimated
that 85 percent of allergic asthmatics have symptoms of
wheezing following exercise. Inhaled cool and dry air seems
to be a strong asthma trigger. Long-term strenuous activities
such as distance running, are most likely to induce asthma,
and swimming is the least likely."
--------------------------------
Ellis

[Kevin]

Same here Tom,

Humidity starts my flares also. This past July I lived on Albuterol.
Starting to cool off and dry up and I'm finally getting some relief.
Usually in east cost pollen decreases alot in July, mostly comes in april -
june timeframe. Mold??? maybe??

My only solution is use AC in the car and house all the time. Barely helps,
but does a little.

-Kevin

<t...@mcgov.net> wrote in message news:8t4h9v$fk6$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
> Hi,
>

> I am a moderate allergy-induced asthma sufferer who has traditionally
> had problems with humid weather conditions. I'm not really sure if
> humidity is a direct contributor to my asthma attacks... It could just
> be that certain allergens "thrive" in humid weather conditions....or
> maybe it's all in my head.
>
> Any insight, experiences, or research material would be greatly
> appreciated !
>
> Regards,
> Tom
>
>

[ENTconsult]

One problem is that once humidity reaches 50% then the dust mites thrive and
the higher the humidity the higher the number of dust mites. this can affect
your asthma.
Murray Grossan, M.D.
http://www.ent-consult.com