Coping With Allergies and COPD: Here's How to Manage Both Conditions

It can be challenging to deal with seasonal allergies alongside COPD, especially when the symptoms of both conditions overlap and exacerbate each other. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder , is a progressive lung condition characterized by inflammation in the airways that often causes breathing difficulties, such as a persistent cough. When coupled with the common symptoms of seasonal allergies, including sneezing and congestion, the impact on a person's life can be significant.

According to the American Lung Association , COPD affects 11.7 million people in the United States, while the National Center for Health Statistics says that more than 25 percent of adults have seasonal allergies. Successfully managing these widespread, overlapping conditions means addressing both simultaneously.

Whether you're looking to develop a personalized management plan or seeking advice on specific strategies to ease your symptoms, our experts provide the tools and knowledge you need to better cope with both conditions.

The Impact of Allergens on COPD

A common cause of COPD is smoking, according to Lauren Pollack, MD, a pulmonologist and physician at University of Washington Medicine in Seattle. She notes, however, that smoking is not the only contributing factor. According to Dr. Pollack, environmental factors like air pollution , smoke from wildfires , and allergens can also exacerbate COPD symptoms.

"The lungs are somewhat unique in that they are exposed to the environment," Pollack says. "There are only a few internal, vital organs that are exposed in that way."

This unique exposure means that COPD patients are often more susceptible to the harmful effects of seasonal allergies. When allergens are inhaled, they can cause inflammation and irritation in the airways, leading to increased mucus production, more severe coughs, and shortness of breath. For someone with COPD, these symptoms are more likely to require medical attention, according to the National Emphysema Foundation.

Pollack notes that not all patients with COPD will be impacted by seasonal allergies. Typically people who are affected already suffered from allergies before their COPD diagnosis.

"It's going to be very individual for each patient," she says. "While it's not impossible that someone could be having allergies for the first time, usually the people who are impacted are people who have had allergies to some degree throughout their lives."

Coping With Allergies and COPD

While seasonal allergies can present COPD complications, an effective management plan will alleviate symptoms of both conditions and improve quality of life. According to Pollack, the key components of an effective plan involve recognizing and avoiding triggers and communicating with your doctor to discuss the role of medication.

How to Recognize Allergy Triggers

The first step in managing seasonal allergies alongside COPD is to identify the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. Common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold spores

Pollack says that patients often don't recognize triggers right away because they vary with the season or environment.

"The biggest thing is just encouraging patients to pay attention," she says. "Sometimes we ask people to take notes and make observations about what they are exposed to, to help us figure out what is likely the trigger."

A symptom diary can help you pinpoint which allergens are causing your flare-ups. Have there been any changes to your environment? Have you moved homes or started a new job? Note that the time of day and weather conditions play a role and can be invaluable in identifying patterns and potential triggers.

Avoiding Triggers

Once you identify your triggers, you can take steps to minimize exposure. Pollack notes that the longer your exposure to allergen triggers, the more likely it is that your COPD symptoms will get worse, which is why it's crucial to be aware of your environment.

The National Emphysema Foundation says COPD and allergy sufferers should monitor weather and air quality consistently using tools such as AccuWeather and the Weather Channel to check pollen and mold levels, and AirNow to check cleanliness and quality. They recommend staying inside when the Air Quality Index is above 100.

The foundation also recommends investing in a good filtration system for your home to maintain a clean living environment and avoid triggers. If you spend a lot of time in your car, consider installing a cabin air filter to ensure the air entering your vehicle is clear.

Scientists at MedlinePlus recommend avoiding smoke, obvious air pollution, and extreme weather, both hot and cold.

Create a COPD Management Plan

When dealing with COPD exacerbation in any form, Pollack stresses the importance of speaking with your doctors to create a safe and effective management plan. She says that some over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays can be helpful in treating allergy symptoms, but may interact with other medications. She also advises patients to always check with a physician before taking anything new.

Pollack emphasizes that the management of COPD and allergies should be approached holistically, considering how each condition may impact the other. This approach ensures that treatment strategies are optimized to address both respiratory symptoms and allergies effectively while minimizing the risk of adverse interactions.

The Takeaway

The lungs are exposed to environmental factors, making the impact of seasonal allergies greater on those already suffering from lung conditions like COPD. The key to managing seasonal allergies and COPD is identifying triggers, avoiding them when possible, and creating a plan with your doctor. By working closely with your healthcare provider and adhering to a comprehensive management plan, you can effectively navigate the challenges posed by COPD and allergies, ultimately improving your quality of life and respiratory health.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Sources

1. Learn About COPD. American Lung Association . January 24, 2024.
2. Allergies. National Center for Health Statistics . February 1, 2023.
3. Managing Allergies and COPD. National Emphysema Foundation .
4. Denis Hadjiliadis et al. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. MedlinePlus . May 3, 2023.

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Philip Diaz, MD

Reviewer

Philip Diaz, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist and critical care specialist and a professor of medicine at The Ohio State University . He specializes in caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in pulmonary rehabilitation for all patients who suffer from lung disease.

Dr. Diaz is passionate about patient education and feels very strongly about providing patients an opportunity to participate fully in their own care. His goal is to work together with his patients to achieve the best quality of life possible for them.

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