Monsoon storms are sending more people to urgent care, here’s why

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Monsoon storms have been kicking up dust, making it a nightmare for people with allergies and asthma.

Carbon Health always expects a higher influx of people coming in this time of year struggling to breathe. Still, this really active monsoon is making things much more difficult.

For those with allergies and asthma, rain and wind are a dangerous combination.

“With the rain, you are going to have more mold in the environment. Some of the trees are going to pollinate. The trees and plants are going to grow more and so for people with allergies to mold or to plants they can notice some of that increased exposure causing increased symptoms,” said Dr. Tara Carr, of the University of Arizona Health Sciences Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center. “The winds kick up all of the particles that are being released- the extra molds, the extra pollens, and then dust and other irritant particles which again make it hard for anyone to breathe.”

All these factors, plus the heat, bring more people into urgent care.

“Over the last few months, we have been seeing an increased number of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, just different lung conditions,” said Carbon Health nurse practitioner Laura Valenzuela.

Even those without preexisting breathing conditions are finding themselves going to the doctor and for good reason.

“Get evaluated because these can go from being relatively mild to severe in a very short period of time,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela said the best thing you can do is prepare in advance of the intense weather.

“Prevention can be anything from having air purifiers in your home, making sure you’re paying attention to weather reports when you know that the winds are going to be high or what the air quality may be,” Valenzuela said.

If you receive care and are still feeling extreme shortness of breath, call 911 or seek immediate attention.

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