Monsoon season in Arizona is a dramatic shift in our weather pattern. The much-needed rain brings relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also comes with some not-so-welcome guests: blowing dust, allergens, and sudden storms. If you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, this time of year can be especially challenging.
Here’s how to stay healthy and breathe easier during monsoon season:
1. Keep the Dust Outside
Blowing dust is one of the biggest culprits behind allergy flare-ups and asthma attacks during monsoon season. Keep your home a safe haven by closing windows and using a HEPA filter in your air conditioning system or a standalone air purifier. These filters can trap fine dust and allergens before they make their way into your lungs.
2. Rinse Your Sinuses
After spending time outdoors or before going to bed, use a saline rinse to clear out your nasal passages and sinuses. This simple habit helps remove lingering dust, pollen, and other irritants that could otherwise cause inflammation or infection. A product like AYR saline gel can be applied afterward to keep nasal membranes moist and create a gentle barrier against more irritants.
3. Cover Up Outdoors
If you’re tackling yard work or caught outside during a dust storm, wear a mask or cloth over your nose and mouth to protect your airways. Dust inhalation can trigger symptoms fast, even for those without chronic respiratory conditions.
4. Shower After Being Outside
Make it a routine to shower and change clothes as soon as you come back inside. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can stick to your skin and clothing, continuing to cause symptoms long after you’ve stepped indoors.
5. Support Your Immune System
For natural allergy relief, consider supplements like quercetin and nettles, which may reduce inflammation and histamine response. Over-the-counter antihistamines can also be effective when symptoms flare up.
6. Manage Asthma Proactively
If you have asthma, monsoon season isn’t the time to skip your maintenance inhaler. Take it daily as prescribed, and always keep your rescue inhaler close by in case symptoms worsen. Sudden weather changes and poor air quality are known triggers.
Stay Safe and Breathe Easy This Monsoon Season
Arizona’s monsoons can be beautiful, but they also bring health risks if you’re not prepared. By taking simple steps to protect your lungs and reduce allergen exposure, you can enjoy the rain and stay ahead of the dust. If your symptoms are getting worse or harder to control, be sure to talk to your doctor about additional strategies.
