Many individuals experience discomfort due to seasonal allergies. The severity of COPD is increased by the presence of any other ailment that makes breathing harder.
Research conducted in 2012 at the Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center found that the respiratory symptoms of persons with COPD and seasonal allergies, such as coughing and wheezing, were worse by combining the two conditions.
They also had a far higher propensity to seek medical care for their problems.
COPD
COPD is a collection of lung diseases that often includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking is associated with a higher risk of developing COPD.
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The illness causes mucus production and airway narrowing, which may make breathing very difficult. Some of the signs and symptoms are:
- persistent cough
- wheezing
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- feeling winded after activities that weren't difficult in the past
- coughing up mucus
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Why Do I Have Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies affect millions of individuals yearly, making their eyes and noses wet and itchy.
When your body's immune system responds to allergens in the air like dust, mold and animal dander, you may experience symptoms like:
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose and throat
- Runny nose and eyes
- Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
- Fatigue
- Coughing
Certain cells in your body, including histamine-producing ones, are triggered into action by your immune system. These chemicals cause allergic reactions.
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Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease seem to be more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses. Naturally, if you have COPD, you already have respiratory difficulties.
How Can I Avoid Serious Complications?
To minimize the risk of an allergic reaction, it's better to steer clear of anything that can trigger one. There are allergens in the air, food, and even water, but if you know what makes you sensitive, you have a leg up. Now is the time to take action to limit exposure to the allergens that are making your symptoms worse. Keep reading for advice on minimizing exposure to allergens that might exacerbate your COPD.
Know Before You Go
Before venturing out, check the local pollen forecast. Pollen and mold count updates for your location may be found on several weather sites, including AccuWeather.
Pollen counts from certain plants, such as trees, weeds, and grasses, are also included in the Weather Channel's Allergy Tracker.
To lessen the severity of your allergy symptoms, consider scheduling outside activities on days when pollen and mold levels are lower.
Stay Inside
When the air quality outside is bad, remaining indoors is safer. If the Air Quality Index is above 100, patients with COPD may have severe respiratory distress.
AirNow is a useful tool for Americans to gauge local air pollution levels and is a must-have if you reside in the United States. Put on a mask to protect yourself from the harmful effects of exposure to the outdoor environment.
RELATED: Managing COPD: Tips for Improving Quality of Life
Treat Your Symptoms
If you suffer from allergy symptoms like watery eyes or a runny nose, see your physician about allergy medication. You might try taking an antihistamine that you can get without a prescription.
Breathing problems caused by allergies may be alleviated by using antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec). In addition to oral steroids, nasal steroids, decongestants, and inhalers may be necessary to reduce airway inflammation.
Allergy-Proof Your Environment
Do everything you can to prevent allergens from entering your home. There are a few things you can do at home, and they are as follows:
- Put in a quality filtering system for your AC.
- If pollen or pollution levels are high, it's best to stay inside.
- Installing a cabin air filter may prevent allergies from entering your automobile.
- Dust and vacuum often to remove mold spores and pollen that may have found their way inside.
Talk To Your Doctor
Discuss your seasonal allergy problems and their impact on your COPD with your doctor. A few of the possibilities they could provide are:
- Trying out some over-the-counter allergy medicine
- Increased inhaler use during allergy season
- Finding out what allergens are bothering you by having an allergy test done
- Immunotherapy (allergy injections) may be used to lessen the impact of allergies
