Spring is just around the corner, and for America’s 20 million asthma sufferers, that could me a rough couple of months. In fact, Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care and other urgent care providers nationwide see typically see an increase in visits by asthmatic patients during the springtime. Sunny days mean more time spent outside, which means exposure to asthma and allergy triggers such as pollen, grass and air pollution.

Consider these statistics from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – Every day in the U.S.:

•    40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma;
•    30,000 people suffer an asthma attack;
•    5,000 people visit the emergency room with an asthma-related condition;
•    1,000 of them are admitted to the hospital;
•    11 people die of asthma-related problems.

In fact, asthma is the fourth leading cause of work absenteeism among adults and the No. 1 cause of chronic illness-related school absences for children ages five to 17 and results in more hospitalizations than any other childhood disease. Each year, 4,000 people die as a direct result of asthma, and the condition is considered a “contributing factor” in nearly 7,000 other deaths. These statistics represent a 50-percent jump in asthma deaths since 1980, including an 80-percent jump in the asthma death rate for children under age 19 since 1980.

If you think you may have asthma, Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care offers age-appropriate screenings and wellness services that can help diagnose and treat your asthma symptoms. And to help you maintain your respiratory health, we offer several healthy tips. To help prevent asthma flare-ups, consider stress-reducing exercises and techniques such as yoga and meditation. Breathing exercises and regular (reasonable) aerobic exercise also can strengthen your lungs and increase your respiratory function. And research suggests that antioxidants (particularly vitamin A and vitamin C) can help protect the lungs of people with asthma against oxidative stress.

Solantic urgent care physicians also recommend being keenly aware of potential asthma and allergen triggers that are more prevalent during the spring season, including pollens and grasses. Got spring cleaning or sprucing up the home planned? That’s a good idea, as microscopic dust mites hiding in house dust, carpets, and pillows can be triggers as well. Just be careful as you polish that dust-laded furniture. And go light on air fresheners, particularly aerosols. Paint fumes can be irritants too, so if you’re planning on repainting rooms, consider hiring a professional painter, or putting that task on your honey-do list while you take a breather elsewhere.

Should you experience any asthma-related complication, head to your nearest Solantic Walk-In Urgent Care (30 locations throughout Florida) asap. We’ll take care of your urgent care needs and help develop a health maintenance plan based upon your medical condition and unique lifestyle.