How to look after your lungs this spring

The change in seasons brings fluctuating temperatures, high pollen and increased moisture, which can trigger symptoms such as wheezing.

As the seasons begin to change, many people have welcomed the clear blue skies and blooming flowers.

However, others might be focusing more on the impact spring has started to have on their lungs.

What can trigger your lungs in spring?

“ Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen and if you have a lung condition your airways tend to be quite sensitive anyway and something like pollen can make them more sensitive,” says Spillett.

“This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing a little bit more, feeling more breathless and more tight across your chest because your body is reacting to that trigger of pollen.”
“Very cold weather or hot weather can be a trigger for lots of people with lung conditions,” says Spillett.

“Rising temperatures can also worsen air pollution which is bad for your lungs, so it’s important to check the daily forecast and pollution levels.”
Very damp conditions can also cause issues.

“When it’s damp, that build-up of moisture can cause mould to grow which is bad for your lungs,” says Spillett.

“Mould exposure can cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and other respiratory issues.

It can also make any pre-existing symptoms worse.”
It’s important to be careful when clearing out junk and spreading dust during the much-needed spring cleans.

“Dust gets into the air and can go into your mouth and nose and irritate your airways,” says Spillett.

“One tip is to use a damp cloth when you’re wiping dust so that it sticks to the wetness of the cloth and doesn’t irritate your airways,” recommends Spillett.

“It’s good to lower any humidity or dampness in your house by opening your windows regularly and using an extractor fan in your bathroom or your kitchen,” says Spillett.

“Drying clothes inside leads to a build-up in moisture which can result in mould, so I would recommend putting your damp washing on a line outside if you can,” suggests Spillett.

“If you suffer with hay fever or know that pollen impacts your symptoms, I would recommend checking the pollen forecast on the Met Office website ,” advises Spillett.

Don’t ignore leaks or water damage
Ask pharmacist for antihistamines
“If you are really struggling with hay fever, you can get antihistamines from a pharmacist and they can advise you when to take them and for how long,” says Spillett.

“If you know when your symptoms are likely to start, I would recommend that you start taking antihistamines two to four weeks before that point to give you the best protection.”
“Nasal spray has small amounts of steroids in it that can help reduce the swelling in your nose to help you breathe more easily,” says Spillett.

“You can buy some of these from a pharmacist, but others are prescription only.”
“Consider doing most of your outdoor activities and exercise earlier in the day when air quality tends to be better,” suggests Spillett.

“Walking along quieter back streets away from the traffic, rather than a main road, is also a good idea when possible.”
“For anyone with a lung condition, it’s important to carry on taking your medications as described, even when you feel well, to manage that sensitivity in the airways,” says Spillett.

“Make sure you have a reliever inhaler with you at all times, so if you do start to feel those symptoms, you can use it.”
“If you have been using your reliever inhaler and it’s not working how you would expect it to, seek help,” advises Spillett.

“Similarly, if you’re feeling like your symptoms are getting worse and are interfering with your daily activities or are waking you up at night, seek support.”