If you're using supplemental oxygen therapy for conditions like COPD, pneumonia, or asthma, managing allergies is just as important as managing your oxygen levels. Allergies can trigger symptoms that make breathing harder, potentially reducing the effectiveness of your treatment.

The good news? With a few smart tips and habits, you can stay ahead of allergens and breathe a little easier. In this post, we'll walk you through practical ways to reduce allergic reactions while using oxygen therapy, especially if you're using devices like portable oxygen concentrators.

Common Allergens That May Affect Your Breathing

Before diving into the know-how, let's explore the common allergens that may hinder your supplemental oxygen therapy.

Pollen: A fine powdery substance produced by some plants and trees during spring, summer, and autumn seasons. It is the leading cause of seasonal allergies.

Dust Mites: Microscopic, insect-like creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments, feeding on organic matters like hair, dander, and dead cells. They can be found in bedding, furniture, and carpets.

Mould Spores: Produced by moulds, a type of fungus, which grows in damp, humid places. These microscopic spores can float through the air and can cause allergies.

Pet Dander: Microscopic dead cells present in the fur or feathers shed by cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and other furry friends. The protein in these cells is the cause of allergies in some people.

Air pollution, including smog and smoke, may not be an "allergen", but they can irritate your airways and weaken the immune system against allergies.

📝 Note: The severity, type, and even symptoms of allergies vary from person to person. It's important to have a clear understanding of your allergy triggers to efficiently deal with them. Always follow advice from your clinician.

Can Allergies Cause Shortness of Breath?

Yes. When your body is exposed to allergens, your immune system may cause inflammation in the airways and excess secretion of mucus. This blockage can make it harder to breathe.

Allergy Management Tips for Oxygen Therapy Users

1. Monitor the Pollen Count

Try to stay updated on the local pollen forecasts, especially during spring and fall. You can use apps and websites to get daily updates instantly. Limit outdoor exposure and keep your windows closed during high pollen periods. Run errands and go for walks when pollen levels are the lowest.

💡 Quick Tip: Pollen levels are generally lower after it rains.

2. Wear a Mask Outdoors

It's not always possible to perfectly plan your outings. So, if you do need to step outside when the pollen count is high, wear a face mask like N95 respirators, which can filter out at least 95% of airborne particles.

Even the common surgical face masks can block out particles larger than 3 μm [1]. Most pollen grains are 10 to 70 μm in diameter [2]. So, it is safe to say that surgical face masks can provide decent protection against pollens.

Here's a bonus for the oxygen users. Recent studies [3] show that wearing a surgical face mask over a nasal cannula can increase the concentration of oxygen your body gets.

3. Shower and Change After Being Outside

Pollen and other allergens easily cling to your clothes, skin, and hair. Be sure to quickly shower and change into fresh new clothes after spending time outdoors. By doing so, you can prevent the allergens from spreading indoors.

4. Soothe Nasal Dryness

Using a nasal cannula if you have dryness, irritation, or congestion can be extremely uncomfortable. A gentle fix is to use saline sprays or water-based nasal ointments to keep your nasal passages moist and comfortable.

📝 Note: Before using any remedy, check with your doctor to identify the root cause of the irritation and get the best treatment advice.

5. Wipe Down Oxygen Equipment

Proper care and maintenance of your oxygen concentrators are often overlooked, but they're crucial. Be sure to thoroughly clean your oxygen devices, nasal cannulas, and other accessories, as they can collect pollen, dust, and dander that may block oxygen flow.

📝 Note: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions while cleaning your oxygen device and its associated accessories to keep them safe and functioning properly.

6. Control Dust Mites

Try to keep the indoor moisture level low, clean carpets frequently, consider using allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers, and change the sheets regularly. These small steps can significantly reduce your exposure to dust mites while you rest.

7. Vacuum Frequently

Keep your home allergen-free by using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which can trap fine particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Vacuum the carpets, rugs, upholstery, and curtains at least once a week.

8. Stay Hydrated

Allergies can dry out your nasal passages and make it harder to breathe. Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and soothes irritated airways.

💡 Quick Tip: Try to limit drinks like coffee and alcohol. They're diuretics, which means they can actually make you more dehydrated. Stick to water, herbal teas, or clear soups to stay comfortably hydrated!

9. Maintain Low Indoor Humidity

Mould and dust mites thrive in high-humidity environments. Maintaining an indoor humidity level between 30% and 50% is ideal for a healthy, allergen-free space.

10. Take Your Allergy Medication

If you have seasonal allergies, speak to your doctor about allergy medications and consider getting allergy shots. They help relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions like runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and eye irritation.

Allergies can be a nuisance, especially if you are using oxygen therapy. But, by identifying your allergy triggers and following the above tips, you can drastically reduce your exposure and symptoms.

Remember, your doctor is your best ally. Don't hesitate to ask questions, discuss your symptoms, and explore treatment options like medications or allergy shots.

Know someone who could use these tips? Share this post and help them breathe a little easier.

References

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8431835/

[2] https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/-/media/Faculties/Science/Docs/What-is-pollen.pdf

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8899454/