{"id":93725,"date":"2024-08-23T11:35:01","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T01:35:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=93725"},"modified":"2024-08-23T11:35:03","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T01:35:03","slug":"tips-to-maintain-your-lung-health-during-spring","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/blog\/tips-to-maintain-your-lung-health-during-spring\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips to maintain your lung health during spring"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spring is arriving and with it comes bright flowers, warmer weather, and for some, greater challenges living with a lung condition. When it comes to living with COPD or bronchiectasis, the changing of seasons can trigger flare-ups. You may see spring as the time of year when you experience an increase of exacerbations, heightened allergies and feeling more fatigued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may feel as though determining what triggers a flare-up is still a struggle, Lung Foundation Australia has some tips to help you maintain your lung health during spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain adequate indoor air quality <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It is always better to prevent flare-ups than to use medications after they have arrived. A healthy indoor environment with low allergen level helps to prevent allergies and airway inflammation. Your indoor environment<\/a> and what air flows through your home, can impact your triggers for lung irritation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your home and office for irritants that may trigger this spring.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the weather forecast <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Whether it’s hot or cold, rainy or windy, it is important for people living with a lung condition to take note of the weather forecast. Sudden changes and extreme weather conditions may cause a flare in your lung health symptoms. The weather experts often report on high pollen in the air, which for many can be a trigger.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the forecast isn’t always accurate, being prepared can help you avoid tricky situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn about outdoor air pollution <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor air pollution<\/a> refers to harmful particles and gases in the atmosphere, which are released from both man-made and natural sources. Air pollution can worsen symptoms for people living with a lung condition such as COPD or bronchiectasis. Stay informed about outdoor air pollution trends and what may affect you or your loved one.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain a healthy diet <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining a nutritious diet<\/a> helps your lung health all year round, but if spring triggers your condition, this is especially true. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits (eg. bananas, spinach, cabbage) helps to reduce the risk of lung inflammation. This is due to the high antioxidants contained in these foods.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fibre is also important for your condition. Research suggests a high fibre diet can help prevent reductions in lung function. It can be found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and wholegrain foods such as brown rice, oatmeal, and couscous.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid triggers  <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If possible, identify your triggers. For some people, triggers could be pollen or dust. For others it could be cigarette smoke. Once you’ve determined what triggers worsen your COPD or bronchiectasis, make a list and, if possible, avoid them. Think about where they are likely to be and plan your days around these. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Talk with your doctor <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to talk to your GP or lung health specialists to maintain your lung health this spring. If you have seasonal allergies, which are very common, they will be able to assist you with the best ways to cope. They may suggest some options to help you avoid flare-ups. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n