Ask Dr Mel: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and hay fever

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Every week we bring you expert advice from Woman's Weekly's health expert Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones, a GP from Stockport with 26 years' experience. This week she answers questions on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and hay fever.

Q I have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and exercise makes me breathless, but I still want to stay fit. What would be safe for me to do?

A Regular exercise is good for all of us; it protects against heart disease, stroke and diabetes, strengthens our bones and muscles, keeps weight down and boosts our mood. However, many people with chronic illnesses, such as arthritis or breathing problems, find it difficult to manage any exercise at all, let alone the recommended 30 minutes of brisk walking, five times a week.

Try to keep doing what you're used to doing already, plus a little bit extra - but stop if you're getting uncomfortably breathless. You could attempt swimming an extra length (or width) or possibly walking that little bit further; and if you can only do exercises sitting down or standing still, then do them for longer or more frequently.

If you're not sure how hard to push yourself or feel understandably nervous about trying, ask your GP to refer you to a physiotherapist or specialist nurse.

Many NHS COPD centres offer pulmonary rehabilitation - supervised exercise and lifestyle advice - and recent American research confirms that this can improve fitness scores as well as quality of life.

You could also go to a local BLF Active exercise class, a scheme set up by the British Lung Foundation. Call its helpline on 0845 850 5020, or visit www.lunguk.org

Q I'd rather not take prescription medicines for hay fever, what else I can try?

A Keeping the pollen out of your nose and eyes will help, so close windows and curtains, and stay indoors when the pollen count's high (see The Weather Channel's pollen map), if you can. If you go out, wear wrap-around sunglasses, and shower, wash your hair and change your clothes when you come home. And remember, pollen can also come in on pets' coats and washing that's been hung outside.

You can reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your nose by putting a blob of Vaseline or a new product called Haymax (which also contains aloe vera to soothe sore, dry skin) at the opening of each nostril.

European research has shown that pollen barriers can be effective in three out of five people who use them, and, of course, they won't make you drowsy.

If these don't work, and your hay fever is really bad, I'd suggest trying an anti-allergy nose spray, eye drops and/or antihistamines (which you can buy from your pharmacy without a prescription) as many people find these provide fast and effective relief.

Advice given here is for general information only and is correct on date of publication. Please seek help from your own GP if you have a medical problem.

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By Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

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