Tips to Manage Pulmonary Symptoms

Many people live for the arrival of spring and the mild weather that it brings. But if you have pulmonary issues like COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, spring can be the beginning of a difficult season for your health. You do not have to give up the outdoors, but you do need to take precautions. You can minimize your spring suffering if you think about avoiding triggers now.

Pulmonary Symptom Triggers

Plants begin to grow back in the spring and with that growth comes the release of allergens like mold spores and tree pollen. These allergens cause reactions that make breathing even more difficult for those with chronic pulmonary issues. Mold and pollen cause congestion which makes breathing more difficult, and they can irritate the nasal passages, throat and lungs of those with no pulmonary problems. If you have a pulmonary condition, this irritation can make breathing incredibly difficult. When you struggle to breathe freely under the best of conditions, spring can mean extra trips to urgent care and the emergency room. You can prevent some of those trips if you think about managing your condition now.

Managing Symptoms

Those with breathing issues need to continually monitor the air quality outside and avoid spending time outdoors when the pollen and mold counts are high. If you enjoy gardening, do your work in the early morning or evening when pollen counts are lower. Avoid contact with fertilizers which can exacerbate your problems and consider wearing a particle mask when you are outside. Think about turning on your air conditioner early in the season and keep your windows and doors shut. Also, remember to follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to medications. You cannot afford to miss daily doses or face spring without your rescue inhalers.

You can still celebrate the arrival of warm weather, but you do need to be cautious. Spring allergens often make pulmonary issues worse. Prepare now for the pollen and mold onslaught by filling your prescriptions, buying particle masks and sealing any cracks that let the outdoor air in. Limit your allergen exposure and enjoy spring while protecting your lungs.