Protect Yourself This Spring from Allergies and COPD Flareups

Protect Yourself This Spring from Allergies and COPD Flareups

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Unfortunately, when the weather starts to warm up, many of us can’t celebrate the way others normally do. Those with allergies can feel the onset of spring right in their sinuses, and that can be very bad news for oxygen therapy patients who also suffer from spring allergies. However, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself this spring, so you won’t need to suffer or risk your allergies turning into something much worse.

Allergic rhinitis, or the allergy symptoms effecting the nose, can make a very negative impact on the lungs and the rest of the pulmonary tract. Those with asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) who also have allergies, can attest that whenever their allergies start to rear its ugly head in the spring time, they can also feel their lungs becoming more irritated.

You might be doing just fine until that first nice day comes along, and suddenly you need to use an inhaler more often, and you start to feel a little more wheezy or out of breath. Sinus Allergies or allergies in general can be a main trigger for asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations (what its called when you have a flareup).

As with all allergies, your immune system is overreacting to foreign substances that come in contact with, or enter your body. The membranes in your nose, or in your airways can catch things like pollen spores, and your body begins to attack them by producing more white blood cells, causing an irritated feeling, swelling and an over production of mucous. This is what happens when you begin to have trouble breathing, as well.

How Can I Protect Myself from Spring Allergies?

The trees begin to release their pollen in the early spring, to prepare for the leaves opening or the production of seeds. This is the trees coming back to life after being domant all winter. While this can also be viewed as a good thing, you might notice that things like your car will be covered with a thin and smooth layer of yellowish power in the morning. This is one of the main culprits of spring allergies, and breathing problems that occur this time of year.

Your first and best line of defense is a good allergy medication that works well for you, and doesn’t have adverse reactions with any other medications you are on. Talk to your doctor to see if you can get a prescription for a fast acting and strong yet safe allergy medication. Take this medication late at night, so you can already be protected by early morning, when allergies tend to be the worst.

You will also need to make sure everything that comes inside with you from outside is wiped down before it enters your home. Pets who have been outside need to be wiped down with a damp rag before they come in an lie all over the couch or your pillow. Things like jackets and shoes should be left in a foyer or breeze way, or right inside the door when you come in. You should also shower and wash your hair at the end of the day, especially if you’ve spend a lot of time outside.

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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.

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