Why get a head start?
Because certain medications take time to build up in your system to be completely effective. If the frost does you could, then perhaps your doctor let you cut back on some of your medications over the winter. It may be a few days or as long as two weeks of increased doses for you to reap all the benefits of the medication you are taking. To learn about your medications, read the patient insert (yes, they are meant to be read, not thrown out!) or ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit (merck-medco Web site) and search their database for details on different medications.
My son falls into that category and over the winter months we cut back on his doses on some of his medications. The last week in March and early April we increase the doses accordingly. Before I caught on to this, I noticed that for three years in a row he was on oral steroids by mid April--just like clockwork. Since working with our allergist to prepare for allergy season, he hasn't needed a course of Prednisone treatment in several years.
Just before the start of the season is also a good time to check in with your allergist to be sure you have the medications you need on hand and that you are taking the proper doses to keep triggers at bay. At the same time, check the expiration dates on your current medications and throw them away if necessary. Ask your doctor for any prescription refills you may need. Now is not the time to run out.
Hopefully, you've been using your Peak Flow Meter (reference article on Peak Flow Meters) daily if not weekly. It is especially important during allergy season to know your best average readings. As soon as you notice a drop in your lung function, contact your doctor right away to forestall any further problems. In some cases, you may notice a slight drop in peak flow readings before you have a serious asthma attack. Stay one step ahead!
You know the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Cliche or not, it's advice to take to heart when managing asthma. Waiting until symptoms get bad or until you need a trip to the emergency room is defintely the wrong approach.
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