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Managing Allergies and COPD

Allergies are no fun for anyone — but they can be especially bad for those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With COPD, any condition that makes breathing more difficult should be taken very seriously. According to a 2012 study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Allergy and Asthma Center, people with both COPD and seasonal allergies experienced more severe bouts of coughing and wheezing. They were also more likely to require medical attention to treat such symptoms.

However, there are several helpful resources to help COPD suffers manage their seasonal allergies. Services such as AccuWeather and The Weather Channel provide current pollen and mold levels in local areas, and AirNow offers information on air cleanliness and quality. The latter is particularly important to track because air pollution can wreak havoc on a respiratory system, so it is important for COPD and allergy sufferers to stay inside if the Air Quality Index goes above 100.

Installing a cabin air filter in your car can help keep allergens away when you’re traveling, and a good filtration system in the air conditioner can do the same for you when you’re at home.

Of course, there are always over-the-counter medications that can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms like congestion, itchy eyes or a runny nose — though patients should always speak with their doctor before taking anything. In some cases, doctors can prescribe allergy medications or suggest the use of an inhaler.

Read the full story to learn more about managing seasonal allergies when suffering from COPD.