Managing COPD during allergy season

For many people, spring allergy season is a nuisance. But for individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, it can be serious.

COPD is a term used to describe progressive lung diseases that cause air-flow blockages and breathing problems. Symptoms of COPD can include a persistent cough, a cough with mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

For individuals who live with both COPD and allergies, these symptoms may worsen during allergy season. A 2012 study by Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center showed that people who had COPD and seasonal allergies suffered worsened respiratory symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, and were more likely to need medical attention for their symptoms.

“Although some of the symptoms of allergies and COPD can be similar, they are very different diseases and should be treated as such,” says Dr. Kevin Strait, Medical Director of Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital.

Allergy symptoms occur when a person’s immune system reacts to pollen or other allergens that have been inhaled. The immune system produces histamines, which can cause allergy symptoms by stimulating nerves, glands and blood vessels in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and increasing swelling and secretions. Swelling and secretions can limit the airway, and cause coughing and mucus production. This can lead to COPD exacerbations or episodes where symptoms become worse than usual and persist for several days.

“In short, allergies combined with COPD produce a double attack on an individual’s respiratory system,” Strait says, “and any extra condition that makes breathing more difficult for an individual with COPD can be concerning.”

Because of this, Strait says that the best defense may be a good offense for individuals with both allergies and COPD. “Talk to your doctor,” s/he says. “Your physician can help you develop a plan to limit the effects of spring allergens on your COPD so you can experience a higher quality of life.”

In addition, Strait also suggests making lifestyle adjustments to help avoid triggers that can worsen symptoms. These include:

Limit or avoid going outside when pollen count is the highest, usually from 5 to 10 a.m. or when it’s excessively dry and hot. Often local weather channels will provide pollen counts. Also, the weather channel (weather.com) provides local allergy trackers.

Change your clothes after being outside so that pollen isn’t transferred into your house.

Keep your windows closed when pollen counts are high.

Wear a mask when doing yard work.

Replace the filters in your air conditioning units in your home on a regular basis.

Use an air filter in your car that is specifically designed to keep allergens out.

Dust and vacuum your house. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

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Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital is a 40-bed, free-standing facility providing long-term acute care and critical care services for patients recovering from serious illnesses, illnesses or chronic medical conditions.

For more information, visit NIACH.ernesthealth.com. For information, call (208) 262-2800.