Barometer & Allergies

Allergies, including allergic asthma, are often worse when there are changes in the weather, such as thunderstorms. During such an instance, barometric pressure drops. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), about 60 percent of asthma-related complications are attributed to environmental allergens. Although you cannot control the weather, there are steps you can take to help minimize its effects on allergies.

Effects

• A barometer is a type of weather instrument that measures the amount of atmospheric pressure. A high barometric pressure level indicates calm weather while low barometric pressure means that turbulent weather conditions, like rain storms, are prevalent. Changes in pressure can affect anyone similarly to a change in elevation. Once the air pressure increases, those affected are likely to experience relief.

Causes

• Air pressure can wreak havoc on your body if you already have allergy problems. USA Today explains that when the air pressure decreases, air can become trapped within your sinuses. A drop in barometric pressure indicates impending storms. Storms are a combination of precipitation and wind. Kids Health explains that the number of fungal spores increases in such conditions, which are usually worsened by high winds. Allergy sufferers whose symptoms are triggered by fungal spores are especially sensitive to thunderstorms and the drop in pressure.

Identification

• Joint pain and headaches are often attributed to a drop in barometric pressure. For allergy sufferers, pain is likely felt in the sinuses and in the middle of the forehead. The pain worsens indoors as the barometric pressure falls outdoors. Allergic asthma is also affected by a drop in barometric pressure. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties, wheezing, chest tightness, and excessive coughing.

Preventive Measures

• According to Kids Health, the number of emergency room visits for asthma increases by approximately 15 percent during thunderstorms, as the decrease in barometric pressure combined with other triggers can cause asthma attacks. Your best defense is to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place. Check weather reports daily for possible inclement weather as well as fungal spore counts. Keep your home clean and shower daily to remove allergens. Allergic asthma sufferers should keep a rescue inhaler on hand at all times.

Treatment

• Allergies which do not improve or are especially vulnerable to drops in pressure should be treated by an allergist or immunologist. A physician will likely recommend daily prescription controller medications in order to help prevent the onset of symptoms during thunderstorms and other conditions which trigger allergies. For allergic asthmatics, allergy shots are often the best form of treatment.