Asthma is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 26.2 crore people were living with asthma in 2019, with over 4.5 lakh deaths globally. In India, the burden is even more striking. The Global Asthma Report 2022 estimates that nearly 3.5 crore people in the country are affected, placing India among the highest-burden nations.
Despite its prevalence, asthma is often misunderstood—not just in terms of severity, but also in how it presents. Many people assume asthma is a condition that “comes and goes” with weather changes, while others experience persistent, year-round symptoms that interfere with daily life. This brings into focus an important distinction: chronic asthma versus seasonal asthma.
Research shows that asthma symptoms are not uniform throughout the year. A 2011 study on children found that symptoms and medication use tend to dip during summer but spike from autumn to spring, with wheezing prevalence rising from 32 per cent in summer to 56 per cent in autumn. The study also highlighted how conditions like allergic rhinitis and eczema, along with viral infections common in colder months, can worsen asthma control, pointing to a strong seasonal pattern in many patients.
To understand how these differences play out, we spoke to Dr Shivaraj A L., Lead Consultant and HOD - Pulmonology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore.
What is seasonal vs chronic asthma?
Dr Shivaraj A L, explained that the key difference lies in when and how frequently symptoms appear.
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“Seasonal asthma usually occurs during a particular time of the year, most commonly in spring when pollen levels in the air are high. This increase in allergens can trigger asthma symptoms or episodes,” he said.
In contrast, chronic asthma is not restricted to any season. “Some patients experience symptoms throughout the year - summer, winter, and even the rainy season. That is what we classify as chronic or perennial asthma,” he added.
He also pointed out that some people may have season-specific patterns, such as winter asthma, where symptoms worsen only in colder months.
What causes chronic asthma?
According to Dr Shivaraj, asthma is primarily allergy-driven, but multiple factors play a role. “Most of the time, asthma is related to allergies, along with a strong genetic or hereditary component,” he noted.
He explained that individuals with a family history of asthma or allergies are more likely to develop the condition. Environmental triggers further worsen the risk.
“Exposure to dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and even cockroaches can trigger asthma. In some cases, workplace exposure to chemicals or dust can also lead to symptoms,” he said.
While external triggers are important, he emphasised that genetic predisposition remains a key underlying factor in many cases.
Prevention: What actually helps
Asthma may not have a cure, but it is largely preventable and manageable with the right approach.
“The most important step is avoiding known triggers - whether it is dust, molds, or allergens,” Dr Shivaraj said.
He highlighted that viral infections are a major trigger, which is why preventive care matters. “We recommend an annual influenza vaccine, usually around August to September, as it can reduce infection-related asthma flare-ups,” he added.
“Regular physical activity is essential. At least 20 minutes of yoga and 30–40 minutes of walking daily can improve lung capacity and overall stamina,” he advised.
He also cautioned against abruptly stopping medication. “Many patients discontinue inhalers once they feel better, but preventive medication should be continued as per guidelines, especially for those with frequent symptoms.”
Can you exercise with asthma? What patients should know
Addressing a common concern, Dr Shivaraj clarified that asthma should not stop people from being physically active.
“For seasonal asthma, we advise starting inhalers 15–20 days before the onset of the season and continuing them throughout. This helps prevent episodes,” he said.
Once the season ends, medication can be tapered after a couple of weeks, but activity should not stop. “With proper inhaler support, patients can continue sports and exercise safely,” he explained.
For those with chronic asthma, however, year-round treatment may be necessary.
He also stressed the importance of choosing the right medication.
“There are two types of inhalers - relievers and preventives. Patients should not rely only on relievers. Preventive inhalers, which contain low-dose steroids, are essential for long-term control,” he said.
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS