Spring is finally here, and I am looking forward to milder temperatures and spending a little more time outdoors. However, when you have a lung condition like COPD, your lungs may be affected by changes and triggers in the environment. Environmental triggers should be taken seriously as they can cause someone with COPD to have an exacerbation (also known as a flare-up).1
Here are some ways in which you can reduce or plan for your exposure to environmental triggers.
- Wear a mask when pollen, mold, and fungus counts are high. I know many of you may be tired of wearing masks these days, but long before Covid-19 respiratory therapists and other health care providers were preaching to those with COPD to wear masks when there may be exposure to triggers that could affect their breathing. With spring weather comes all those “not-so-joyous” things like high counts of pollen, mold, and fungus, therefore if you are going to be outside for any long length of time (or if you are prone to be sensitive to those things) wear a mask.
- Pay attention to the ozone and air quality index in your area. Outdoor air pollution can cause those with COPD to have increased or worsening symptoms.2 AirNow.gov is a great website to check the air quality in your local area. This website will also let you know if the air quality will be improved over the next couple of days. Plan your outings and errands on days when the air quality is good. Limit your exposure to the outdoors when air quality is poor.
- Keep in mind that the air quality outdoors can affect your air quality indoors. Many people with COPD are mindful that there could be poor air quality and triggers outdoors, but often indoor air quality is forgotten. Remember to keep your windows closed to prevent allergens and other triggers from entering your home. Replace air filters regularly and vacuum/dust often. When in your car, put the air conditioner on “recirculate” to prevent the air conditioner from bringing air in from the outdoors.
- If you work or exercise outdoors, schedule it early if possible. Air quality in the earlier part of the day seems to be better than as the day progresses. If you work or exercise outdoors, see if you can schedule your work or exercise to begin earlier in the morning. If starting your workday earlier is not a possibility, try to take breaks from the outdoors to lessen your exposure. For more information on how you can reduce your exposure to workplace triggers read this check-in.
How do you know if your lungs are being impacted by triggers in the environment? You may experience a change in symptoms like a worsening cough, mucus production, or shortness of breath. If these symptoms persist and are not relieved by going indoors, resting, or perhaps using your rescue inhaler, you should call your health care provider to let them know.
How do you stay healthy and prevent environmental triggers of your COPD? Share your thoughts below!
References
- Sama SR, Kriebel D, Gore RJ, DeVries R, Rosiello R. Environmental triggers of COPD symptoms: a case cross-over study. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2017;4(1):e000179. Published 2017 Jul 3. doi:10.1136/bmjresp-2017-000179
- Hansel NN, McCormack MC, Kim V. The Effects of Air Pollution and Temperature on COPD. COPD. 2016;13(3):372-379. doi:10.3109/15412555.2015.1089846