Breathing Easy Through the Seasons

It feels like not long ago, the bitter cold of winter was the major discussion. Think about it: we all have some type of weather in common. It's something people can always talk about. "How it affects us and our health. What works and what doesn't."

My parents wintered in Florida for years. So, I always said, "When I retire, I'm going to sell seashells on the seashore."

Now with COPD, I realize that winter humidity makes breathing difficult ,too, and have always thought Arizona might be better. My whole body liked winter when we visited there. My doctors mentioned this numerous times. My husband reminds me that Arizona summers are terribly hot and that there is dust, so that's out.

Hot weather breathing challenges

I always loved summer. More visits with family and outdoor things to do. I miss open windows on cool evening nights, barbecues, and more.

I'm a rebel! When it's summer, I don't like being indoors. I know it's necessary to protect myself and my lungs. Sometimes, I feel like I'm living in a bubble.

Sadly, breathing in humidity makes breathing so difficult. I might as well put a bag over my head and fill it with warm water. It's suffocating. The dust from about everything takes my breath away, too.

The very worst is smoke! Thankfully, I quit smoking in 2003. Smoke can wipe me out! It could be cigarettes, cigars, or anything that emits smoke.

Breathing in secondhand smoke can harm others. That smoke enters your lungs as if you're smoking yourself. Maybe not 100%, but your lungs might not believe that!

Have you heard of thirdhand smoke? That's the smoke you inhale from someone's smoky clothes or furniture.

When breathing takes a toll

I remember bonfires after our high school games. Now, firepits are the rage. Living in river country, firepits seem to burn in quite a few places. Even nearby, in a couple of neighbor's yards.

A few years ago, I was so excited. We bought a used camper with two slide-outs. The first place I used it was in our own driveway. My husband got everything hooked up. We were doing some remodeling at our house; this would be a perfect time to try it out.

I packed a bag for a few days: food, my pups, their supplies, my go bag, and a nebulizer. I was camping! Grinning ear to ear, my excitement was obvious. I couldn't help myself.

Later, I smelled cigarette smoke. It was as if someone was right next to me smoking. Opening the camper door, it was obvious one of the workers was smoking. I asked him to please put his cigarette out.

I explained to him that there was no smoking near me or where I was staying. I also told him that his boss always smokes away from our house, as he knows I can't handle it.

When my husband checked on me, I was getting out the nebulizer. Coughing had taken over. I nebbed, then gathered my belongings, and we went upstairs.

Thankfully, that heavy oxygen concentrator was left upstairs. Campgrounds all had fire pits. Going off in secluded areas likely had rattlesnakes. We were too concerned about our dogs and what they could get into.

Allergens and triggers

Pollen can really affect a person. Does it bother you? Allergens can trigger coughing and sneezing in some people.

Mold, grasses, trees, and dust are other allergens that are known to bother people. Then there are scents from candles, perfumes, chemicals, cleaning products and more. Let the coughing begin.

Allergies are nasty and most of mine developed in adulthood. Some as a child. Now they seem to go hand in hand, or should I say nose and mouth to the lungs. Emergencies can happen quickly, so I always carry EpiPens.

Thank goodness for inhalers and nebulizers. Even in the summertime, face masks can be so important. We need to protect our lungs. I often use them when cleaning and dusting as well.

Kleenex isn't just for blowing the nose; it can be so useful for coughing and/or spitting. This may sound gross, but phlegm can fly when you least expect it to. Some say it's okay to sneeze into your sleeve, but only in an emergency only for me.

Go-to bag essentials

Do you carry an emergency kit or to-go bag when you leave home? Even for a day? Talk to your doctor. He or she might have recommendations for your to-go bag, especially emergency medications.

Remember, we are all different. What is good for me might not be good for you. Keep in mind that it's summertime. Things can happen. Plan for 2 or 3 days away.

A person never knows if you will need a change of clothes. Just maybe you will have too much fun, so you stay over.

Here is what I carry in my bag and in my car:

• Information list: Health and illnesses, medications, allergies, earlier surgeries, doctor, dentist, and hospital information, DNR, and more
• Driver's license, insurance cards, bank card, credit card
• Coins or dollar bills for those "just in case" needs
• Phones, tablets, chargers, passwords
• Medications, 2 or 3 days just in case
• Rescue inhaler, EpiPens
• Premixed nasal rinse
• Nebulizer, oxygen, nasal cannula
• Kleenex, toilet paper
• Hygiene or incontinence pads, underwear
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture items
• Water, other drinks
• Snacks
• Washcloths in a sealed baggie
• Notebook and pen
• Greeting cards and postage stamps. Addresses are in my phone's contact list
• Book, Bible
• Circulating fan

Want to know what helps me on sweltering summer nights? Seasonal Hallmark shows. No, hubby doesn't watch them, but we can always watch shows together and have a date night.

Add air conditioning, a fan, and a cool drink, which helps us to be more comfortable. I always wear a long-sleeved fleece cardigan, no matter the season.

Air conditioning and cold air can be so painful on the joints. However, my lungs win with the air conditioning.

Just remind yourself that fall is around the corner, and time does fly. Stay cool and breathe easy!