Asthma and Allergies in Spring: Everything You Need to Know

The flowering season, increased sunshine, and rising temperatures are often accompanied by respiratory burdens for a significant portion of the population. The heightened allergic load during this period causes severe symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties—especially at night. ‘These symptoms seriously disrupt the daily life and sleep of sufferers, significantly reducing their quality of life. It is estimated that about 10% of citizens experience such problems during the spring period,’ states Eleftherios Vrouvakis, Director Pulmonologist at Metropolitan Hospital. What is asthma? ‘Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lung airways. It manifests with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, which vary from person to person in both intensity and frequency. Ten people may suffer from asthma, but the disease’s presentation can differ radically—from nearly asymptomatic progression to frequent hospitalizations. This variability necessitates personalized approaches in diagnosis and treatment,’ he explains and continues: Severe asthma requires special management. ‘A particular category is severe asthma—a form of the disease that persists despite regular medication use. People with severe asthma experience constant symptoms, sleep disturbances, and limitations in their daily lives. For example, even an attempt to laugh can trigger an asthma attack, leading to social isolation, especially among younger individuals.’ Modern treatments focus on quality of life. Scientific progress has led to significant advancements in asthma treatment. Today, targeted drug therapies provide immediate and substantial relief, restoring patients’ quality of life. Despite occasional shortages of inhaled medications—especially in spring—their availability has improved compared to previous years, avoiding the extreme situations of the past. The importance of prevention and avoidance of irritants. Beyond pharmacological treatment, avoiding aggravating factors plays a crucial role in managing asthma. Tobacco smoke is one of the most significant irritants, and removing it from sufferers’ daily routines is vital for improving their condition, concludes Mr. Vrouvakis.