Wildfire Season in California: How Smoke Impacts Asthma Sufferers

April 29, 2025

As California's wildfire season intensifies each year, the air quality across the state deteriorates, causing significant health concerns, particularly for individuals with asthma. According to the *American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) <https://www.aaaai.org>*, wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, all of which can severely affect respiratory health. For asthma sufferers, exposure to these particles can trigger an asthma attack, worsen symptoms, or increase the need for emergency medical care.


Research from the *Mayo Clinic <https://www.mayoclinic.org>* highlights that the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) found in wildfire smoke is particularly harmful. These tiny particles, less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs, irritating the airways and making breathing more difficult. The Mayo Clinic notes that people with asthma are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, even if they are not directly near the wildfire.


The *Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) <https://www.cdc.gov>* reports that exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to an increase in
hospital visits for respiratory issues, particularly among individuals with asthma. In some studies, people with asthma living in areas affected by wildfire smoke experience a 20% increase in asthma-related health issues.


During wildfire season, it’s crucial for those with asthma to take precautions to minimize exposure. The *AAAAI* recommends staying indoors, using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and keeping windows and doors closed. For outdoor activities, wearing an N95 mask can help reduce the intake of harmful particles. Individuals should also ensure they have access to their rescue inhalers or other medications prescribed for asthma management. 


For anyone living in areas prone to wildfires, regular asthma check-ups are essential to ensure that treatment plans are up to date. By taking these steps, asthma sufferers can better manage their condition during wildfire season and reduce the risk of serious health complications.


Get prepared today—see our providers to get your allergy and asthma medications refilled, and ensure you have everything you need for the upcoming season.

Pollen and Mold Counts: Why They Matter for Your Health and How We Keep You Informed

April 29, 2025
Allergy seasons can be tough for many individuals, especially those who suffer from seasonal allergies. These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, mold, and dust. The timing and intensity of allergy seasons can vary based on geography and climate, but generally, there are three main allergy seasons that people need to be aware of: spring, summer, and fall. According to the *American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) < https://www.aaaai.org >* and *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >*, understanding these seasons and knowing when they occur can help individuals prepare and manage symptoms more effectively. Spring Allergy Season Spring is one of the most notorious seasons for allergy sufferers, with trees being the primary source of allergens. Tree pollen levels peak in late winter through early spring, typically from February to May, depending on your location. Common trees that release pollen include oak, birch, cedar, and maple. According to the *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >*, during spring, the abundance of tree pollen in the air can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing. This is especially problematic for individuals with allergic rhinitis, who may find themselves reaching for antihistamines and decongestants to relieve their symptoms. Summer Allergy Season Summer allergens are mostly related to grasses and weeds. Grass pollen typically peaks between late spring and early summer (May to July), while weed pollen, particularly from ragweed, can start as early as July and last through the first frost in fall. *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >* reports that summer allergies are common among those who have sensitivities to grass pollen, with symptoms often becoming more intense during warm, dry days. In addition to grass pollen, mold spores from wet conditions and mildew can exacerbate symptoms during the summer months. For those with asthma, exposure to these allergens can also trigger flare-ups, making it essential to monitor air quality during these times Fall Allergy Season The fall allergy season is primarily driven by weeds, with ragweed being the most significant culprit. Ragweed pollen typically peaks from August through November, especially in rural and suburban areas. *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >* explains that as ragweed plants mature, they release large amounts of pollen into the air. Additionally, mold growth, which can thrive in damp, fallen leaves, is another significant factor in fall allergies. People with mold allergies may find the cooler, wetter months of fall challenging, as mold spores increase in the environment. Year-Round Allergies Though seasonal allergies are common, some people experience allergy symptoms year-round due to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or mold. According to *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >*, these allergens can affect individuals with sensitivities throughout all seasons, causing ongoing issues such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma flare-ups. How Allergy Seasons Affect Everyone Allergy seasons can impact people in different ways. For those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic rhinitis, allergy symptoms can worsen, leading to more frequent flare-ups. According to *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >*, allergens can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even sinus infections. Additionally, allergies can have a significant effect on daily life. Symptoms like nasal congestion and fatigue can make it difficult to focus at work or school, while itchy eyes and sneezing can affect quality of life and general well-being. In severe cases, allergies can trigger asthma attacks, leading to emergency care. Managing Allergy Symptoms To manage allergy symptoms, *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >* recommends avoiding known allergens as much as possible. This can include staying indoors on days with high pollen counts, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed. Medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can provide relief. For people with asthma, it’s essential to follow an asthma management plan and have access to rescue medications during allergy season. Prepare for allergy season by seeing your healthcare provider to discuss medications and prevention strategies. Our providers can help you find the best plan to manage your allergies and keep you comfortable throughout the year.

Understanding Allergy Seasons: When They Occur and How They Affect Everyone

April 29, 2025
Allergy seasons can be tough for many individuals, especially those who suffer from seasonal allergies. These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, mold, and dust. The timing and intensity of allergy seasons can vary based on geography and climate, but generally, there are three main allergy seasons that people need to be aware of: spring, summer, and fall. According to the *American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) < https://www.aaaai.org >* and *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >*, understanding these seasons and knowing when they occur can help individuals prepare and manage symptoms more effectively. Spring Allergy Season Spring is one of the most notorious seasons for allergy sufferers, with trees being the primary source of allergens. Tree pollen levels peak in late winter through early spring, typically from February to May, depending on your location. Common trees that release pollen include oak, birch, cedar, and maple. According to the *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >*, during spring, the abundance of tree pollen in the air can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing. This is especially problematic for individuals with allergic rhinitis, who may find themselves reaching for antihistamines and decongestants to relieve their symptoms. Summer Allergy Season Summer allergens are mostly related to grasses and weeds. Grass pollen typically peaks between late spring and early summer (May to July), while weed pollen, particularly from ragweed, can start as early as July and last through the first frost in fall. *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >* reports that summer allergies are common among those who have sensitivities to grass pollen, with symptoms often becoming more intense during warm, dry days. In addition to grass pollen, mold spores from wet conditions and mildew can exacerbate symptoms during the summer months. For those with asthma, exposure to these allergens can also trigger flare-ups, making it essential to monitor air quality during these times Fall Allergy Season The fall allergy season is primarily driven by weeds, with ragweed being the most significant culprit. Ragweed pollen typically peaks from August through November, especially in rural and suburban areas. *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >* explains that as ragweed plants mature, they release large amounts of pollen into the air. Additionally, mold growth, which can thrive in damp, fallen leaves, is another significant factor in fall allergies. People with mold allergies may find the cooler, wetter months of fall challenging, as mold spores increase in the environment. Year-Round Allergies Though seasonal allergies are common, some people experience allergy symptoms year-round due to indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or mold. According to *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >*, these allergens can affect individuals with sensitivities throughout all seasons, causing ongoing issues such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma flare-ups. How Allergy Seasons Affect Everyone Allergy seasons can impact people in different ways. For those with pre-existing conditions like asthma or chronic rhinitis, allergy symptoms can worsen, leading to more frequent flare-ups. According to *AAAAI < https://www.aaaai.org >*, allergens can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even sinus infections. Additionally, allergies can have a significant effect on daily life. Symptoms like nasal congestion and fatigue can make it difficult to focus at work or school, while itchy eyes and sneezing can affect quality of life and general well-being. In severe cases, allergies can trigger asthma attacks, leading to emergency care. Managing Allergy Symptoms To manage allergy symptoms, *Mayo Clinic < https://www.mayoclinic.org >* recommends avoiding known allergens as much as possible. This can include staying indoors on days with high pollen counts, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed. Medications like antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can provide relief. For people with asthma, it’s essential to follow an asthma management plan and have access to rescue medications during allergy season. Prepare for allergy season by seeing your healthcare provider to discuss medications and prevention strategies. Our providers can help you find the best plan to manage your allergies and keep you comfortable throughout the year.