The rainy season can be difficult for people living with asthma. Changes in humidity, damp indoor spaces, mould, dust, smoke and other irritants can make sensitive airways react more easily.
For Nigerian households, prolonged rainfall can create additional respiratory triggers, particularly when homes have leaking roofs, poor ventilation or persistent dampness. Managing asthma during this period therefore requires more than simply treating symptoms after they appear. The focus should be on identifying and limiting the things that trigger breathing problems.
In this article, Tribune Online highlights the practical ways to protect your breathing during the rainy season.
Keep indoor spaces dry
Rainwater entering through leaking roofs, windows, ceilings and walls can increase moisture inside the home. Check your home regularly for signs of water leakage, particularly after heavy rainfall. Repair damaged roofs, leaking pipes and faulty gutters promptly. Wet floors, walls and furniture should also be dried as quickly as possible.
A room that remains damp for days provides a better environment for mould and other biological contaminants to develop. Keeping the home dry is therefore one of the first steps towards reducing rainy-season respiratory triggers.
Prevent mould from taking over
Mould can develop quickly when moisture remains trapped indoors. Look beyond obvious areas such as bathroom walls. Check behind wardrobes, underneath sinks, around windows, beneath leaking ceilings and on damp furniture. A musty smell can also indicate a moisture problem.
Do not simply paint over mouldy walls. The moisture responsible for the mould needs to be addressed first. People with asthma should also avoid unnecessary exposure to extensive mould during cleaning. If there is a large amount of mould, another person should handle the cleaning where possible.
Keep dust away from your sleeping area
Dust can be particularly troublesome because bedrooms contain several places where it can accumulate. Mattresses, pillows, carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture can collect dust and other particles. Wash bedding regularly and keep it completely dry before use.
When cleaning, avoid vigorous dry dusting that sends particles into the air. A damp cloth can be used on suitable surfaces instead. If dust consistently triggers your symptoms, avoid staying in the room while heavily dusty areas are being cleaned.
Avoid smoke from household sources
Smoke is a major respiratory irritant. For Nigerian households, possible sources include cigarettes, firewood, charcoal and generators. Smoke from cooking with solid fuels can become particularly concentrated when cooking takes place in a poorly ventilated area.
People with asthma should stay away from cigarette smoke, including smoke produced by other people. Generators should also never be operated indoors or in enclosed areas because their exhaust contains dangerous gases in addition to respiratory irritants.
Limit exposure to strong fumes
Some people with asthma find that strong fumes trigger coughing, wheezing or chest tightness. During the rainy season, common household exposures may include insecticides, paint, cleaning chemicals, perfumes and air fresheners.
If you know that a particular product triggers your symptoms, avoid it where possible. When household chemicals must be used, ensure that the area is adequately ventilated and follow the product’s safety instructions. Do not mix different cleaning chemicals in an attempt to make them more powerful.
Protect yourself from weather changes
Rainy-season weather can change rapidly. A hot and humid afternoon can be followed by cooler conditions after rainfall. Some people with asthma find that sudden changes in temperature or cold air trigger symptoms. If you notice a consistent connection between particular weather conditions and your breathing, take note of it. This can help you anticipate situations that may trigger symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Keep your asthma medicines within reach
Heavy rainfall can make it difficult to reach pharmacies because of flooding, poor roads or early closures. Keep your reliever inhaler and other prescribed asthma medicines readily available, rather than waiting until they run out. Continue preventer medicines as prescribed, even when you feel well, and ensure you use your inhaler correctly.