Spring heat prompts allergy and asthma concerns in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Summer may still be weeks away but recent heat has already driven people outdoors across Fresno.

At Rotary East Park on Cedar Avenue, a Fresno couple adjusted their routine to beat the heat.

Mark and Vickie Burger walk their dalmatians every day and said they came to the park earlier than usual on Monday to protect their dogs.

"The asphalt gets hot, I don't want them burning their feet. I don't want them to get overheated. Dogs are known to get heat stroke real easy," Mark Burger said.

They were not alone. Parents, dog owners and pickleball players filled the park before noon.

While outdoor activity is common during warm weather, Dr. A.M. Aminian of the Allergy Institute said temperature swings can cause health concerns.

Drone video of the Central Valley showed hazy air over the region as temperatures fluctuated.

"The heat has its own problems, weather change going from 100 to 50 overnight and vice versa could affect people," Aminian said.

He said such changes can irritate the airways, particularly for those with sensitivities.

"This is a change in biometric pressure and with the temp change, that is an irritation to the bronchial tube, so it always affects you if you have sensitive airways," he said.

Aminian said spring heat can lead to increased allergy or asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain and coughing, which are often triggered by allergies.

Staying prepared with the correct inhaler is important, he said, noting that inhalers come in different forms.

"There are different shapes and forms that you use like this one, it's a powder, you suck the air out of it," Aminian said.

He also advised taking allergy medication, staying cool, drinking electrolytes and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Mark Burger said he manages seasonal conditions by taking precautions he is already familiar with.

"I don't have too much of a problem with it, just stay cool, and I take allergy medicine regularly, so that helps," he said.

Aminian added that residents should consider keeping windows closed during the cooler parts of the night or morning, when pollen and other particles are more likely to enter homes.

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