Spring Fever: Great For The Soul But Tough Times For Asthma & Allergies

As winter-weary Americans burst outdoors to exercise, play and dig into yard work, and student athletes' training transitions back out to fresh Spring air, millions of people may be at risk for flare-ups of lung disease due to high pollen levels and/or outdoor air pollution that can reach unhealthy levels any day. And scientific updates reported in the American Lung Association's Lung Disease Data report confirm that our increase in outdoor activity can pose health problems for some if they aren't prepared.

"Spring fever is great for the soul, but our return to the great outdoors can cause problems for people with allergies and asthma, and anyone who inhales unhealthy levels of smog or particle pollution," said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. "If pollen, exercise, and/or air pollution trigger your asthma, it's crucial that you pay attention to your health at this time of year and be prepared before you step outdoors."

More than 35 million Americans have chronic lung disease, including 20 million with asthma. Asthma ranks among the top 10 most prevalent conditions causing limitation of activity; one survey found that 48 percent of people with asthma say that the disease limits their ability to take part in sports and recreation. Asthma attacks can be triggered by several factors, which may include allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and other allergens; exercise; particle pollution (from diesel exhaust, dust, power plants, and other sources); and smog.

For some children and adults their asthma is triggered by exercise, which can impact anyone from a toddler running through a playground to a world-class athlete in training. Physically, children are more vulnerable to air pollution than adults because they breathe more rapidly, taking in more pollution per pound of body weight.

"The more we learn about how air pollution affects the lungs, the more urgent it is becoming to take precautions to protect yourself outdoors on unhealthy air days," Dr. Edelman explained. "Ozone, or smog, and particle pollution can affect anyone, but they are especially dangerous for anyone with lung disease."

The American Lung Association suggests people follow these lung health tips for Spring activities.

Healthy Lung Checklist For Outdoor Activities:

-- Know the pollen level. Check the newspaper, weather web sites, or television for local updates. Take prescribed medications to minimize allergy symptoms.

-- Check local air pollution levels online (epa.gov/airnow), in the newspaper or television. Follow specific health warnings.

-- Bring your rescue inhaler (bronchodilator such as albuterol) with you.

-- Take your rescue inhaler before exercising, if your doctor has prescribed that you do so.

-- Pay close attention to children! Be sure they take brakes and drink plenty of liquids, and that children with asthma are not experiencing symptoms of an asthma attack.

-- Limit outdoor exercise during Orange and Red air pollution days on the Air Quality Index (epa.gov/airnow).

"Managing your lung disease-or your child's-well means that you should be able to enjoy the great outdoors and minimize your risk of flare-ups," said Dr. Edelman.

To view the full Lung Disease Data report, or for more information about general lung health issues, visit www.lungusa.org or call 1-800-LUNG-USA.

About the American Lung Association

Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time." For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungusa.org.