Pollens and molds: avoidance can be very difficult but is the best approach. Molds grow in damp, dark, warm places, such as in the bathroom or under a leaky sink - so those areas need to be fixed or cleaned. Outside, leaf piles are a very common source of mold, so not playing in the leaves would be good advice. People are sensitive to varied pollens that come at different times of the year, and vary by geographical area. Ragweed pollen is a common allergen in the U.S., but don’t forget the various tree pollens too. In general, pollen counts are lower in the morning, so try to do errands early in the day. Closing the windows and turning on the air conditioner will exclude outdoor pollens and molds from the home.

 

Some people only have asthma symptoms during times of seasonal nasal allergy flares. In these cases, it will be helpful to start or increase the controller medicine before allergy season starts and to maximize allergy prevention and treatment. People with seasonal allergic rhinitis should start with corticosteroid nasal sprays before their allergies begin to flare. Treatment of allergic rhinitis may make a significant improvement in asthma control in some patients.