Spring is a beautiful season, but for those with COPD, all those lovely trees and flowers can create uncomfortable symptoms. If you have COPD or another lung condition, it’s important to be aware of how spring allergens may affect your breathing and how to best take care of yourself. Here are the top five spring allergens that can worsen your COPD symptoms:
- Pollen
Pollen is the most common allergen during the spring season. It is produced by flowers, trees, and grasses, and is carried by the wind. Pollen can cause hay fever symptoms and inflammation in the respiratory tract, making it harder to breathe. - Mold
Mold thrives in damp areas, and spring is the perfect climate for it to grow. Mold spores can be found both outdoors and indoors, and can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. - Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live in bedding, carpets, and upholstery. During spring cleaning, dust mites can be stirred up and cause sneezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, red eyes, and more. - Pet Dander
As the weather gets warmer, pets spend more time outside shedding their fur. Pet dander is a common allergen that can cause allergic reactions such as sneezing, eye irritation, and even skin irritation. - Insect Bites
Spring is the season when insects start to emerge in full force. Mosquitoes, bees, and wasps can all cause allergic reactions when they bite or sting. If you are allergic to insect bites or stings, make sure to have an EpiPen or another rescue medication available.
Millions of people have environmental allergies, but those with COPD need to be even more careful during the spring season. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your COPD symptoms, and this may include supplemental oxygen.
At Portable Oxygen Solutions, we proudly carry the top brands of portable oxygen concentrators and can help you find the right one for your needs. If you take the right precautions, you can get out there and enjoy the beauty of spring!
Please Call 1-800-958-0192 to speak to one of our friendly oxygen specialists.