How to manage COPD when having allergy symptoms?

Posted by crabby55 @crabby55, 9 hours ago

I was dx a year ago with mild COPD. Basically I have no symptoms. I am affected by walking uphill or stairs, I get out of breath easily. I know exhaust and dust trigger me. How do you keep allergy symptoms, nasal, drip, congestion, sneezing etc from going into an exacerbation? I haven't had allergy symptoms in years but am very affected this year. I am trying hard to not let it get into my lungs.So far successful. Last year I wasn't careful around dust, ended up with bronchitis just as I was retiring so was overbooked at work, no time to rest and hindsight realized I had an exacerbation. That was my real wake up call to my COPD. Fortunately I am not working now so I can lay low. I'm taking mucinex which helps tremendously and getting lots of rest. I don't want to get sick like I did last year. That lasted a good month. What do you do to be careful?

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frouke | @frouke | 7 hours ago

I would suggest getting a good antihistamine if you can tolerate them, also wearing a mask can be very beneficial. I bought an air filter with charcoal hepa filter which also helps with allergies, try to watch the weather channel to see how bad it is outside and stay indoors on bad days. If you see your doctor ask to see an allergist, they can test you to see what allergens you are most sensitive to.