Dealing with Allergies While Using Oxygen Therapy

Dealing with Allergies While Using Oxygen Therapy

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Allergy season is just around the corner, and in some parts of the country it’s starting early. In North Texas, they’ve already started sneezing from the wind that blows the pollen from the cedar trees. Those in the South will always have to deal with an earlier allergy season than those in the Northern United States. However, even in the north, we will be experiencing tree pollen as early as late February. Many of us are effected by allergies, and if you are, they can be a huge pain.

If you have to use oxygen therapy on a daily basis, having allergies can seem even worse. No one wants to deal with nasal congestion, especially while you have to use a nasal cannula. If you know you are going to suffer from allergies soon, do yourself a favor and be prepared. Read ahead to find out what steps you should take to avoid allergy symptoms as much as possible.

– See your doctor for a prescription strength allergy medicine that is right for you. You could go to the drug store and pick up some over the counter, but your doctor can better help meet your individual needs, and write a prescription for a strong one that will get you through allergy season with the least amount of irritation as possible.

– Get a saline spray for your nose. Not only will this moisten your nasal passages, but it will help wash out the pollen and protect you from the allergens that may have already found their way into your nose. You have to take care of your nasal passages, especially when you are using oxygen therapy with a nasal cannula. Even if you only have a little irritation from pollen, it can be magnified by the nasal cannula rubbing the inside of your nostrils. You might also want to put a very small amount of Vaseline inside your nostrils to relieve even more of the irritation caused by the cannula.

– Be careful what you bring in from outside, and keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible. Wipe your shoes and jacket down when you come in from outside, and give your cat or dog a quick wipe down with a damp cloth if they come in from outside, so they don’t track the pollen into the rest of your house. They are likely to go lay on your bed or on your pillow, and you definitely don’t want the pollen to find its way there.

– The same goes for you. At the end of the day, take a shower and wash your hair to get rid of the pollen that may have settled in your hair while you were out and about that day. Take your clothes off and wash them at the end of the day, or put them in a hamper with a lid until you are ready to wash them.

Information on this page is for reference and educational purposes only. For more information talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

4 thoughts on “Dealing with Allergies While Using Oxygen Therapy

  1. This is a question rather than a comment. Does anyone know an allergy mask that is compatible with use of ambulatory oxygen via cannula or oxygen mask?

    • You may use the regular N95 mask with a nasal cannula. If this causes discomfort, please contact your respiratory therapist.

    • It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter products like Flonase. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific medical condition and medication regimen.

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