Tips for Managing Springtime With COPD

Spring is my favorite time of year. I love that first day when the snow is gone, and the air is warm enough to be outside.

I love the sounds of birds chirping and kids playing basketball. I love having the windows open and enjoying the fresh spring breeze. I love having the TV on and enjoying the sweet sound of baseball games.

Springtime and COPD

This is a great season that brings about many joys. Still, it can also be a season to be wary of, especially if you have COPD.

Listed here are some of the things that can pose problems for people in this community, followed by some tips to help you manage your way through the season.

Walking

If you are like me, the first thing you want to do on that first warm day with no snow is get outside and going for a walk. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your walks.

• Walk with a partner. Or, if you choose to walk alone, tell someone that you are going for a walk and where you are walking. It may also be a good idea if this person has a car in case you need to call for a ride.
• Pace yourself. Walk at a pace that is comfortable for you.
• Don’t walk too far. It may be best to start out with a short walk, such as around the block. Gradually over time, you may consider walking longer distances. Just be wary that however far you walk, you will have to walk back that same distance.
• Make sure to bring your rescue inhaler with you in case you need it.  It’s always a good idea to have your rescue inhaler nearby. But it’s especially important when you are out and about. Bring your phone along just in case you run into breathing trouble while you are walking. Your phone may also come in handy if you decide that you have walked too far.

Allergies

For some people in this community, allergies are a huge trigger. The most common springtime allergen during the springtime is pollen.

Trees begin pollinating early in the spring season, and this is followed by pollinating plants and flowers. Pollen is easily aerosolized and inhaled.

It may trigger flare-ups in those of us with allergies. Here are some tips for helping you to manage springtime pollen.

• Try to avoid them by staying indoors with the windows and doors shut. This will prevent pollen from invading your home air.
• Monitor pollen counts. There are many websites or apps that tell you if the pollen count in your area is high or low. And only go outdoors when the pollen count is low.
• Walk in the morning. If you do choose to go outside for a walk, a good time to walk is early in the morning. This is a time of the day when pollen counts tend to be at their lowest.
• Talk to your doctor about medicinal options. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter options such as antihistamines. Although, there are also prescription options that are very helpful for some people. So, this is something to discuss with your doctor if you haven’t done so already.
• Allergy shots. Another option is to talk to your doctor about allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. Allergy shots help your body to become less sensitive to your allergens over time.

These tips can help you get the most enjoyment out of the spring season without experiencing COPD setbacks.

Are these things that you do already? Do you have other tips to share with the community? Please let us know in the comments below.