YOUR LIFE YOUR HEALTH

Why asthma symptoms can increase in the spring

May 4, 2023, 8:01 PM

EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah — Spring is known for allergies, but it can also increase asthma symptoms.

Dr. Stephen Boden, an allergist at Intermountain Health, said it’s common in most asthma patients.

“We definitely can see increases in asthma as the seasons change, both with the weather changing as well as the increased pollen counts from different plants,” he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people with asthma is increasing each year. The CDC said about one in every 12 people has asthma in the United States but there are a lot of different treatment options like medication, steroids and inhalers.

“It’s actually a really good time to have asthma compared to when I was a child, there were very few treatment options. Today, there are a multitude of treatment options,” Boden said.

Boden said that asthma severity is different for each person, but the most common symptoms are coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

He said that asthma is more common in children, but adults can also be diagnosed with asthma later in life.

“As an adult, it will happen sometime between age 20 and about age 55 or 60,”  Boden said. “Often, if it’s later than that, it might be something else, and not necessarily asthma, but still would require evaluation.”

Four-year-old Alden was diagnosed with asthma last year.

“I thought that he was always catching something, but it took me a while to realize that even when he was healthy, he still had a cough,” said Madi Nield, Alden’s mom.

Nield said Alden’s usually mild asthma has been worse since spring started.

“When you mix the asthma and the allergies it can get really scary,” Nield said. “He’s been having this wheezing and a deep barking cough, and normally the asthma is a non-issue.”

Playing outside is typically an easy activity for Alden.

But his mom said he takes medication for his asthma daily to help with that. And before any big sports activity, they use his inhaler along with his medication.

“After a scare in the fall, we do have to give him his inhaler before every practice or game now,” Nield said.

Boden said if you are experiencing persistent coughing and wheezing at any age, contact your doctor.

KSL 5 TV Live

Your Life Your Health

Owen Jacobsen is a bright 12-year-old, actively involved in his school council, band, swim team, an...

Emma Benson

‘He’s better than ever’: boy finds relief from seizures following neurosurgery 

Owen Jacobsen is a bright 12-year-old, actively involved in his school council, band, swim team, and MATHCOUNTS team. But what sets him apart? His resilience. 

6 days ago

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights for kids, but it can also be one of the most dangerous...

Emma Benson

Trick or treat! Don’t forget these Halloween safety reminders 

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights for kids, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. 

14 days ago

Sheri Wiseman, in this undated photo, gives the thumbs up after undergoing 12 rounds of chemo and 2...

Emma Benson

Utah survivor urges women to get screened this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When Sheri Wiseman got her annual mammogram last March, she received unexpected news.

20 days ago

Scott and Janna Smith return annually to a triathlon in Idaho but in 2024, Scott went to the medica...

Emma Benson

Utahn reunited with team who saved his life after triathlon heart attack

What would you say to the people who saved your life? Utahn Scott Smith, 47, was reunited Friday with the medical care team whose quick actions made all the difference for him.

25 days ago

Beeston is now able to continue to do the things he loves, like traveling the world with his wife, ...

Emma Benson

Intermountain receives major grant to improve care of mitral valve prolapse patients

Ever since he was young, Bill Beeston knew he had a heart murmur. But as time went on, the Provo man started having trouble doing daily tasks, like mowing the lawn.

26 days ago

An art project at Utah Valley Hospital is providing a safe space for patients to express themselves...

Emma Benson

‘Healing Tree’ mural helping patients cope with mental health

An art project at Utah Valley Hospital is providing a safe space for patients to express themselves.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Why asthma symptoms can increase in the spring