Every summer, the Greater Phoenix area braces for Arizona’s dramatic monsoon season. Monsoon storms can feel like a break from the dry heat, but they also bring strong winds, sudden downpours, and massive dust storms that can affect your health if you are not ready.
At Carefree Internal Medicine, we help our patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and nearby communities stay healthy through every season. Monsoon weather can be beautiful to watch, but it can also make breathing more difficult, especially for people who have asthma, allergies, or other lung conditions.
Dust Storms Can Make Breathing Harder
When a dust storm rolls through the Valley, it stirs up dirt, pollen, and mold. It can also spread spores that cause Valley Fever, a fungal infection common in Arizona’s desert soil. If you have asthma, COPD, or severe allergies, dust storms can trigger coughing, wheezing, or other flare-ups.
Try to stay inside during a dust storm. Keep doors and windows closed and run an air purifier if you have one. If you are driving and see a wall of dust ahead, pull over safely and wait until visibility improves. Dust storms can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs, so limit your time outdoors until the air clears.
Keep Medications Up to Date
If you rely on an inhaler or other lung medications, check your refills before monsoon season is in full swing. Storms can come on quickly, and the sudden changes in air quality can make symptoms worse. Make sure your inhaler is easy to find and not expired.
If you have any shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or new chest discomfort, do not wait to get checked. Sometimes monsoon storms can lead to Valley Fever or other infections that need quick treatment.
Watch for Heat and Humidity
Along with dust, monsoon season brings higher humidity that can make Phoenix’s high temperatures feel even hotter. If you need to clean up after a storm, drink plenty of water and take breaks inside to stay cool. Heat exhaustion can happen fast, especially after physical work outdoors.
Stay Healthy This Monsoon Season
Arizona’s monsoon season is part of life in the Valley, but it does not have to take a toll on your health. Be prepared for dust storms, check your prescriptions, and stay cool and hydrated when storms hit.
If you have any concerns about asthma, breathing problems, or other health questions this summer, our team at Carefree Internal Medicine is here to help. We proudly care for patients throughout Greater Phoenix and are ready to help you breathe easier all year long.
Request an appointment or learn more at CarefreeInternalMedicine.com