Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of diseases that affect lung function. There are two main types: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Emphysema is lung damage caused by long-term exposure to airway irritants, like cigarette smoke. Chronic bronchitis is also typically caused by exposure to irritants but characterized by irritation and swelling of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Both diseases make it difficult to breathe and get worse over time. People living with COPD may be at risk for more severe COVID-19 infections.
Symptoms of COPD include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Excess phlegm
- Frequent coughing
- Trouble taking a deep breath
- Wheezing
COPD and Seasonal Allergies
If you have seasonal allergies and COPD, you may notice symptoms get worse during allergy season. Learn which allergens are common during which seasons. This is because your lungs can swell due to environmental irritants like pollen. You may notice increased breathlessness, cough and fatigue. You may also have trouble sleeping and see a change in the color of your phlegm.
If you have COPD, you should avoid:
- Air pollution
- Allergens like dust, pet dander and pollen
- Chemicals like in hair sprays, air fresheners and perfumes
- Smoking and secondhand smoke
You should also avoid extreme weather, such as extreme heat, cold and humidity, which can cause COPD flare-ups. If this occurs, stay indoors as much as possible. During the more humid months, you may consider getting a dehumidifier for your home.
It’s also important to get preventive flu and COVID-19 vaccines since these respiratory diseases are more dangerous for people with COPD.
Protect Yourself from Allergens
The best way to protect yourself from allergens is to avoid them altogether. Before going outside, you may want to check the weather forecast for air quality in your area. If the Air Quality Index is 100 or higher, stay indoors. You may also want to keep your windows and doors closed to keep allergens from coming inside your house.
If you must go outside, try to keep from tracking in pollen and dust as much as possible by changing your clothes and showering, since pollen can stick to clothes, shoes, skin and hair.
Keep your home free from dust, pet dander and pollen by vacuuming and dusting often. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands frequently and avoid others who have a cold or the flu.
You should talk to your health care provider before taking any medications, such as over-the-counter antihistamines. Other treatment options are prescription medications, nasal sprays, allergy shots or inhalers.
Allergies, Asthma and COPD
Asthma doesn’t necessarily lead to COPD, but it is possible to have both diseases. This is called Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS).
People with ACOS suffer from more frequent flare-ups than people with either asthma or COPD alone. Symptoms include:
- Chest tightness
- Decreased tolerance for exercise
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive phlegm
- Fatigue
- Frequent coughing
- Shortness of breath during normal activities
- Wheezing
Diagnosis of ACOS may be complicated since symptoms of asthma and COPD can be mistaken for each other. Your health care provider may need to order additional tests, such as chest X-rays or CT scans for a proper diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with ACOS, each disease must be addressed separately, even if conditions overlap.
Asthma can cause inflammation, so your provider may prescribe allergy medications or inhalers. However, you will also need to manage COPD symptoms to maintain lung function. Some options include pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and prescription medications.
There is no cure for ACOS or COPD, but because COPD gets worse over time, the earlier you receive a diagnosis and get treatment, the better.
More to Read
- When Is Allergy Season? That Depends on Your Allergy
- Everything You Need to Know About Spring Allergies
- How to Combat Fall Allergies
- 5 Ways to Manage Your COPD Medications Better
- Questions To Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist About Your COPD Medications
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