You’ll want to avoid possible irritants that can worsen COPD symptoms, especially if you also live with asthma or other allergies. Examples may include smoke, air pollution, and even colder temperatures outside.

People who live with the progressive lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD) know that it can be difficult to breathe at times.

That’s why it’s important for those with COPD to avoid possible irritants like smoke, chemical fumes, air pollution, high ozone levels, and cold air temperatures outside. Common seasonal pollen and dust mites can also be problematic and worsen your COPD.

The symptoms of asthma and COPD can sometimes be hard to tell apart. Both conditions cause chronic inflammation of the airways and interfere with one’s ability to breathe.

In asthma, your airways are chronically inflamed. During an acute asthma attack, they swell even more and produce thick mucus. This can block your airways, making it difficult to breathe. Common asthma triggers include environmental allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

Some people have asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) syndrome, which means they experience symptoms of both conditions. Some estimates are that one-third of people with symptoms of either may have overlap.

If you have COPD, you can try to limit your exposure to indoor air pollution and irritants, including smoke and aerosol sprays.

You may also want to avoid common airborne allergens, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, environmental allergies, or ACO. It can be hard to avoid airborne allergens entirely, but you can take steps to reduce your exposure.

Pollen

If your breathing problems become worse during certain times of the year, you might be reacting to pollen from seasonal plants. Check your local weather network for pollen forecasts if you suspect pollen is triggering your symptoms.

When pollen counts are high, you can do the following:

  • limit your time outdoors
  • keep the windows closed in your car and home
  • use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter

Dust mites

Dust mites are another common allergy, asthma, and COPD trigger. To limit dust in your home:

  • replace carpets with tile or wood floors
  • regularly wash all your bedding and area rugs
  • vacuum your home on a regular basis using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
  • install HEPA filters in your heating and cooling systems and replace them regularly

Wear an N-95 particle mask while you’re vacuuming or dusting. Even better, leave those tasks to someone who doesn’t have allergies, asthma, or COPD.

Pet Dander

Animal dander, a common allergen, is made up of microscopic pieces of skin and hair. If you suspect your pet is contributing to your breathing problems, you may wish to consider finding them another loving home.

Otherwise, bathe them regularly, keep them away from your bedroom, and vacuum your home frequently.

Mold

Mold is another common cause of allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Even if you’re not allergic to it, inhaling mold can lead to a fungal infection in your lungs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that people with COPD are at a higher risk of infection.

Mold thrives in moist environments. You can do the following to limit your exposure:

  • regularly examine your home for signs of mold, especially near faucets, showerheads, pipes, and roofs
  • use air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and fans to keep indoor humidity levels lower
  • if you find mold, hire a professional or ask someone else to clean the affected area

Chemical fumes

Many household cleaners produce potent fumes that can aggravate your airways.

Bleach, bathroom cleaners, oven cleaners, and spray polish are common culprits. Avoid using these products indoors in areas without proper ventilation. Even better, use vinegar, baking soda, and mild soap and water solutions to meet your cleaning needs.

Chemical fumes from dry cleaning can also be irritating. Remove the plastic from dry-cleaned garments and air them out thoroughly before you store or wear them.

Scented hygiene products

Even mild fragrances can be bothersome for some people with allergies, asthma, or COPD, especially in closed environments.

  • avoid using scented soaps
  • avoid scented shampoos
  • perfumes
  • do not use other hygiene products with scents
  • dispose of scented candles and air fresheners

You can learn more here about what can cause your COPD symptoms to flare up, and different ways you can prevent or reduce the risk of that happening.

When you have COPD, avoiding your triggers is key to managing your symptoms, improving your quality of life, and lowering your risk of complications. Take steps to limit your exposure to pollutants, irritants, and allergens, such as:

  • smoke
  • pollen
  • dust mites
  • animal dander
  • chemical fumes
  • scented products

If your healthcare team believes you have asthma or allergies besides COPD, they may order lung function tests, blood tests, skin prick tests, or other allergy tests.

If you’re diagnosed with asthma or environmental allergies, take your medications as prescribed and follow your recommended management plan.