Whether you have been newly diagnosed with COPD, or you’ve been living with it for a while, it’s important to understand what kinds of things make your symptoms worse. Certain substances and environments can irritate your airways, leading to increased coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. When you want to feel as well as you possibly can feel with COPD, here are a few COPD triggers that you should avoid:
- Cigarette smoke
One of the most irritating things to sensitive lungs is cigarette smoke. If you currently smoke, take steps to get help, so you can quit. Avoid public areas that allow smoking, and if you can’t escape it entirely, make sure to go outside often and/or bring extra oxygen with you.
- Chemical fumes
Many conventional cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can make your COPD worse. Look for natural cleaning, household, and body products, and stay away from synthetic fragrances and aerosols, as well as scented candles and incense.
- Allergens
There are a lot of things floating in the air that can exacerbate your symptoms and serve as COPD triggers, including pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust. Try to keep your home as clean as possible and consider wearing a face mask while doing things like dusting and vacuuming. Also, install a HEPA filter if you can.
Other common COPD triggers include: car exhaust, industrial pollution, strong perfumes, and extreme temperatures. When you know ahead of time what to avoid, you can lead a healthier life with COPD. Want to learn more about how to manage your COPD symptoms? Reach out to speak with one of our COPD O2 concentrator specialists today!