Deadly asthma attacks: They're something to be aware of, even if you think you're only an allergy sufferer, especially this year.
Unfortunately, doctors said, right now, is that perfect combination of the end of winter cold season, and the beginning of spring allergy season.
"I grew up with a brother who had asthma, and this was not in today's day and age where we had the medications we have now," said Dr. Bryn Salt, an Allergist and Immunologist at Sharp Rees-Stealy. "Every family vacation, every time the weather changed, it seemed like we were always in the emergency room."
Salt said a long San Diego-growing season, means some trees are already pollinating: Yes, allergies can lead to asthma issues.
"The flu season has just begun in this past month, we're seeing a lot of colds, a lot of pneumonia, sinusitis," Salt said.
"There are exposure to viral infections, so at this time of year, we get a lot of viruses," Dr. Julian Lichter said. He's a pulmonologist at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
Richter said triggers include aspirin and your own pets. Another trigger is exercise induced asthma, which he said is the cause of 60 U.S. deaths, in an eight year period. As for prevention: beware of "long-acting" medications - believe it or not, they can cause quick-onset asthma attacks.
"So the inflammation gets worse and worse and worse, and then suddenly, bam, you have a severe asthma attack, and you're wondering why, because I didn't feel the symptoms, but the symptoms may have been masked," Lichter said.
With allergy season in full-swing for some of you, doctors say it's critical to get on an allergy or asthma medication, and right away, if you need it.
And, especially with asthma-specific medications, stay on them, as your doctor prescribes,even if your symptoms go away, so that you can stay out of the emergency department.
Tell us what you think. Comment below, fan us on Facebook, mention us on Twitter @nbcsandiego, or download our improved iPhone app.
