As emerging flowers represent the change from winter to spring, most of us breathe a sigh of relief. At last, we can let go of grey days and start enjoying lung benefits including more fresh air and an overall reduction of issues like moisture in the home. There’s just one problem – it’s now time to be wary of spring allergies and lung health.

Spring brings high levels of pollen and other allergens that could cause problems, especially if you’re living with an existing lung condition. In this article, we’ll consider what you need to be wary of this season, and how to protect your lungs from those potential risks.

It Isn’t All Sunshine – Spring Risks and Your Lung Health

Spring is an undeniably glorious season, but there’s also a lot going on at this time of year that could pose a notable risk to your lung health. Just a few of the season’s biggest risks include –

Pollen allergens: High pollen counts are normal throughout spring. This can trigger allergic reactions which could impact the breathing of anyone susceptible to lung problems.
Rising humidity: Humidity levels also tend to rise as the sun comes out. This can be detrimental to individuals with lung conditions, particularly those with issues like COPD, who may struggle to breathe in such conditions.
Air pollution: Air pollution can also be more of a problem in spring as more people get out, and we spend longer out of doors. Warmer temperatures can also worsen air pollution in cities, which can irritate the airways and worsen existing lung conditions.

Spring into Action With These Seasonal Protections for Lung Health

The spring-based lung health risks we’ve outlined should never stop you from enjoying this season, but they should highlight the need to follow proper respiratory health tips to protect your lungs at this time.

The best actions you can take to enjoy spring without worry include –

Follow the Weather Forecast

Following the weather forecast is key for individuals living with lung conditions, as it can help track high pollen areas or days, which you’ll then be able to avoid while you’re out.

Avoid Your Triggers

It can become harder to avoid lung health triggers like cigarette smoke when you’re out enjoying the sun, so make a list of these triggers and plan your days to avoid them. For instance, you could see if there’s a non-smoking outdoor area at a restaurant or park before your visit.

Practice Safe Gardening

The use of heavy gardening chemicals can prove problematic for lung health. Try to avoid chemical products like bug deterrents in place of natural alternatives like certain kinds of plants.

Talk With Your Doctor

An experienced doctor can provide you with useful tips and advice for the season, as well as carefully monitoring your lung health for any worrying signs. They may also recommend things like increased inhaler use for individuals with asthma, or allergy tests to help monitor any lung condition flare-ups.

If you’re worried about your lung health this spring, then don’t hesitate to put these tips into action, or contact The Lung Docs team for further advice. Here, you can find a lung doctor Chattanooga TN, or across locations including Hixson and Jasper, where we’re on hand to help you enjoy spring without the slightest shortness of breath.

Chattanooga’s leading lung doctor, Dr. Mike Czarnecki, MD, is renowned for delivering exceptional care and innovative treatments in pulmonary medicine. Whether you need a quick check-in to discuss symptoms or want to make sure your medications are optimized, a telehealth appointment can help you stay on top of your health from anywhere you go this holiday season. Click here to contact us and set up a video or voice call with Dr. Mike via our HIPAA compliant app, pMD.

How Spring Changes Affect Your Lung Health