There is no doubt that climate plays an important role in inducing or exacerbating asthma and allergy symptoms. High humidity, sudden temperature changes (especially from warm to cold), and decreases in barometric pressure all have adverse effects on allergy and asthma sufferers. Damp conditions encourage the growth of mold and dust mites.
Families often are advised to move to a more favorable climate, if possible, although there is no hard evidence that such relocations help.
Smog is another factor over which we have little control. In warm, sunny climates (eg, Los Angeles), heavy traffic creates a smog composed mainly of ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and petroleum-produced chemicals called hydrocarbons. Industrial cities produce their particular brand of smog. Whatever its composition, smog causes eye irritation, breathing problems, and fatigue as well as other symptoms.
The following are guidelines for coping with air pollution. They are especially relevant for asthmatics, who tend to be more adversely affected by air pollution and climatic changes.
The asthmatic is more sensitive to the outside environment. Climatic changes, "the greenhouse effect," and global air pollution are now being taken seriously by our political leaders. We hope that, in this new century, we will see responsible leadership in protecting our precious planet and its inhabitants.
