The changing of seasons is a phenomena that can be expected just as much as you can expect the sunrise and sunset. The imminent approach of seasonal changes can affect individuals that have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as other chronic respiratory conditions. The truth is that there is no good season for COPD, and each season will bring a new element to exacerbate COPD symptoms.
Retailers of oxygen concentrators for emphysema know that environmental conditions, including outdoor as well as indoor air pollutants, can contribute to COPD. Inhaling irritating particles can cause the glands of the bronchi to produce more mucous than normal, which thickens and inflames the bronchus walls.
Changes in weather and air temperature can trigger the symptoms of COPD. Both hot and cold temperatures and climates associated with the seasons bring about air pollutants and irritants that cause breathing problems for COPD patients. Oxygen Always, oxygen concentrator suppliers, want to outline they ways in which seasons and weather exacerbate COPD and other respiratory conditions symptoms.
Fall/Winter seasons with cooler weather:
– Colder weather can push people, specifically people living with COPD, indoors. Indoor elements can contain their own set of allergens that can trigger the symptoms of COPD. Common indoor allergens can include dust, dust mites, mold, fumes, fragrances, and pet dander. It is estimated that 10 million people are allergic to cat dander, making it the most common pet allergy.
– Winter air temperatures can affect COPD symptoms. Cold air and strong winds can actually worsen shortness of breath, cough, and mucus/phlegm production. The frigid air can become hard to breathe while wind resistance requires more energy to move, both of which will cause fatigue in COPD patients, as well as a dependence on their oxygen therapy system.
– Colder weather brings about the cold and flu season, which is very dangerous for people with COPD. Viral infections like the flu are major causes for exacerbations and excess morbidity and mortality in COPD patients. In the damaged lungs of people with COPD, colds and flus can quickly escalate into infection.
Summer/Winter with warm weather:
– COPD symptoms flare on days with higher temperatures since these days are accompanied with higher levels of smog. Higher temperatures can also cause dyspnea and exhaustion as the body works harder at maintaining breathing and normal body temperature. Warm air also causes the airways to constrict which can lead to bronchospasms.
– Humid air contains more moisture and less oxygen, making it harder to breathe.
– Spring and summer seasons are accompanied with outside allergens that can trigger allergies that narrow airways and stimulates mucus production which exacerbate COPD symptoms.
Oxygen Always is a nationwide oxygen concentrator retailer that is aware of how difficult life can be living with COPD. If you are in need of oxygen assistance to manage your COPD, visit Oxygen Always website today, to find the perfect oxygen concentrator for your lifestyle and budget!
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