Spring is slowly starting to creep out from beneath the winter snows — and that’s generally a cause for celebration.
There’s little cause for excitement from spring, however, if you suffer from any kind of chronic lung disease, including mesothelioma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis or related disorders.
Spring allergies can make your lung disease harder to manage
It’s not uncommon for spring flowers to trigger allergies in a lot of people. The pollen that ends up everywhere in the air as grass, bushes and trees begin to sprout and bud can irritate even healthy lungs.
For people with active lung disease, the annual spring flare-up can lead to coughing, wheezing and an overall sensation that it’s difficult to breathe.
What can you do to cope? Here are some suggestions:
- Talk to your doctor about increasing your allergy medications. Antihistamines can help reduce the severity of your allergic reactions.
- Ask about any additional treatments you can use on an as-needed basis. Steroids can alleviate symptoms if your flare becomes acute.
- Hire someone to do a deep clean of your home. The floors, carpets, rugs, furniture, walls and beds can accumulate dander and dust. Eliminate as many indoor allergens as possible from your environment.
- Consider investing in a stand-alone air filtration unit. These can be used to eliminate additional allergens from your home (particularly in your bedroom or wherever you spend most of your time).
- Don’t be afraid to put your air conditioning unit in the window early, if you need it. As temperatures shift, you may need to actively control your environment a little harder.
While not easy, a proactive approach can make it much easier to cope with the vagaries of spring and lung disease.
Seek help if you have an asbestos-related lung disease
If you suffer from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related lung disorder, you may struggle particularly hard with your condition during this season.
There may be compensation available to you through long-established trusts and other programs. Speaking with an advocate who fully understands your situation and what’s available is the best way to protect your family’s future.