Exclusive Content

Summer looks good on the world — flowers blooming, sun peeking through, energy rising. But if you’re living with MS and managing asthma, summer can hit different. All that beauty in the air? It also brings pollen, pressure changes, and allergy flares that can trigger a whole storm inside your body.

Let’s start with asthma. This time of year, you’re likely reaching for inhalers more often thanks to rising pollen counts and sudden weather shifts. But here’s the piece folks don’t always talk about: asthma medications — especially corticosteroids — can interact with how your MS shows up.

Some steroids used to treat asthma flare-ups may mimic or mask MS symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or mood swings. And if you're taking medications for both conditions, side effects can overlap, making it hard to know what’s what. You might find yourself more tired than usual, wired after a dose, or just feeling out of sync with your body.

Add in seasonal triggers such as heat, humidity, or a random cold snap, and you’ve got a recipe for increased MS sensitivity. Some people experience pseudo-relapses during these transitions — temporary worsening of symptoms that aren’t actual flare-ups but feel just as real.

So what’s the move?

Track how your body responds — not just to the weather, but to your meds. Journal what you’re taking when symptoms show up, and what patterns emerge.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how your asthma meds could be affecting your MS, and vice versa. You’re not imagining the overlap — there’s real science behind it.

Be aware of cognitive side effects. Recent research shows oral and inhaled steroids may lead to changes in brain white matter, possibly affecting memory, attention, and processing speed. Don’t think it’s all just the MS.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Medications and allergy season can dry you out fast. Drink water like it’s part of your treatment plan — because it is.

Protect your peace. Pacing is everything. Just because the world is blooming doesn’t mean you have to be “on” all the time. Rest when you need to.

With the right care, attention, and boundaries, you can move through summer with less chaos and more calm. Your breath, your balance, your body — they’re all worth protecting.

So as the world starts buzzing, make sure you’re still centering yourself. Take your time. Move with intention. And yes, breathe easy — but on your terms.