Tips for Managing Spring Allergies and Lung Disease
(PRWEB) April 24, 2014 -- To the majority of the population, pollen season is just an annual inconvenience that can be pacified by a simple trip to the doctor and a pack of tissues. But for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death in the United States, allergy season means an increase in the likelihood of an exacerbation, also known as a flare-up. When not handled correctly, flare-ups can lead to hospitalization and heightened susceptibility to infection.
Flowers, trees, grass, pollen, and mold spores can all bring on a serious attack. Often, this includes shortness of breath, increase mucus production, tightness in the chest, and wheezing. Flare-ups are the number one cause of hospitalization for COPD sufferers and can be fatal. There are numerous triggers that can cause a flare-up and unfortunately seasonal allergies fall on the list. By preventing an allergy attack, sufferers can also reduce the likelihood of a life-threatening flare-up.
Lung Institute, a stem cell therapy provider located in Tampa, FL, is committed to improving the lives of lung disease sufferers. Since allergy season is predicted to peak within the next couple of weeks, Lung Institute has put together five helpful tips along with resources to help individuals with COPD, and other forms of lung disease, avoid a flare-up.
Tip 1: Stay Inside – Make sure to stay indoors, leave shoes outside to avoid tracking pollen indoors, and wash clothes after being outside.
Tip 2: Close Windows – We know the breeze feels nice, but don’t let allergens come inside! By keeping windows closed pollen and other allergens can’t make their way into the home.
Tip 3: Change Filters & Vacuum – Change home air conditioning filters and car filters often. This will eliminate allergens that may be circulating, and create a controlled environment. Also, remember to vacuum and clean floors regularly to catch allergens.
Tip 4: Fix Leaks – Fix leaky pipes or areas that have water damage. Mold is prone to growing in moist environments and can have an extremely detrimental effect overall health including the lungs.
Tip 5: Avoid Other Triggers – Make sure to stay away from cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, cleaning agents with harsh chemicals, too dry and too humid air, pet dander, and other known flare-up triggers.
Controlling the weather obviously isn’t an option, but there are some helpful resources available to detect how bad allergens are in the area. The Weather Channel’s website has a search option to see what’s blooming by zip code and how bad the pollen index is that day. Click here to learn more. Pollen.com is also a good point of reference to check the pollen forecast, allergy forecast, and cold and flu forecast for the upcoming week.
Prescription medications and inhalers can help lung disease sufferers with allergy symptoms. However, for individuals still experiencing flare-ups and life-altering symptoms, stem cell therapy can help. Stem cell therapy doesn’t replace the need for medications, but it has been proven to significantly improve quality of life for lung disease sufferers and help them breathe easier.
About Lung Institute
At Lung Institute (LI), we are changing the lives of hundreds of people across the nation through the innovative technology of regenerative medicine. We are committed to providing patients a more effective way to address pulmonary conditions and improve quality of life. Our physicians, through their designated practices, have gained worldwide recognition for the successful application of revolutionary minimally invasive stem cell therapies. With over a century of combined medical experience, our doctors have established a patient experience designed with the highest concern for patient safety and quality of care. For more information, visit our website at LungInstitute.com, like us on Facebook or call us today at 1-855-469-5864.
Kellie Hero, Lung Institute, http://lunginstitute.com/, +1 813-503-8698, [email protected]
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