Air quality during the summer months can be hazardous for the health of individuals with COPD or other respiratory health conditions. This can be due to wildfire smoke or other pollution that is more prevalent in summer heat.
Just the thought of going outside can cause anxiety and stress for individuals concerned about their lung health. This can then lead to feelings of isolation, impacting both their physical and mental well-being.
Here are some ways you can protect your lung health during wildfires and summer pollution.
- Use a Mask: Masks not only help prevent the spread of disease, they can also protect your lungs against pollution and fine particles in the air. If you use a portable oxygen concentrator, putting your nasal cannula under your mask will enable you to continue to have a reliable source of oxygen while preventing you from breathing in fine particles.
- Use and Clean Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator Regularly: A portable oxygen concentrator pulls in and filters outside air at the pulse flow setting you need to maintain a healthy level of oxygen. Models such as the Inogen One G5 offer up to 6 pulse flow settings, are extremely lightweight, and offer a long battery life. When the air quality is poor outside, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean your portable oxygen concentrator regularly.
- Limit Outdoor Activities to Necessary Errands Only: On days when the air quality is extremely poor, try to limit your time outdoors to running the necessary activities only. If you plan to exercise, try to do so in your home, at a gym, or at a friend’s house so you can stay indoors.
As the oldest portable oxygen concentrator provider in the U.S., OxiMedical has helped thousands of people with COPD and other respiratory conditions regain their freedom and live their lives to the fullest. If you need help finding the best portable oxygen concentrator to fit your needs, please call us at 855-847-4544.
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