Asthmatics have difficulty breathing. This is due to an obstruction in the tubes located in the lungs. When a person has asthma, their airways typically become filled with mucus and swollen.
What Triggers Asthma?
Asthma symptoms begin or worsen as a result of triggers. Triggers of asthma include the following:
- pollutants in the air, such as smog, smoke, and chemicals
- pollen
- cockroaches
- fungi or mold
- dust mites
- perfumes
- cleaners
- pet dander
- aerosol sprays
- gas or paint odors
Triggers, for the most part, are not harmful. They, on the other hand, exaggerate the symptoms. In other words, they can aggravate asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
Once your doctor has diagnosed you with asthma, he or she will work with you to identify your triggers. If you are struggling with making your home asthmatic-friendly, an allergy doctor in Hudson Valley can offer excellent advice.
It’s critical to understand how to deal with triggers in your own home. This is particularly true in areas where you enjoy spending most of your time, such as your den or living room.
Make Your Home More Asthma-Friendly
The following are six ways that will help you make your home more asthma-friendly:
Indoor Smoking Shouldn’t be Permitted.
Smoking should be prohibited in your home. Secondhand smoke is the leading cause of asthma in the house. Smokers should be permitted to smoke only outside. It can irritate the lungs as well as cause narrowing and swelling of the bronchial tubes. It will also cause the production of sticky mucus, which will accumulate in the airway.
Avoid any situation where Smoking will occur, such as parties or other events. If you are near someone who smokes, you are more likely to suffer from asthma attacks regularly. This means more visits to the ER or doctor, as well as more asthma medication.
Unfortunately, you can’t control other people’s actions. However, please inform your friends and family that their actions are exacerbating your asthma. Request that they refrain from smoking in your home. They will most likely be more considerate if they are aware that their actions are harming your health.
Read: Ways For Making Your Home Healthier
Get Rid of Dust Mites
If exposed to dust mites(1) on a regular and long-term basis, they can significantly trigger an asthma attack. Unfortunately, they stimulate the immune system, resulting in mild to severe allergies. They are known to cause itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sneezing. Dust mites have even been shown in studies to release free radicals, damaging proteins, DNA, and lipids. This worsens asthmatic symptoms. Cells can eventually die if the body does not repair these cellular components.
Use dust-proof covers on all pillows and mattresses. Dust mites will be kept at bay as a result of this. Also, wash your blankets and sheets in hot water regularly.
Minimize Pet Dander
Pet dander contains proteins derived from animals’ skin, feces, urine, hair, and saliva. Unfortunately, animal dander is also a cause of asthma symptoms. They can cause chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In many cases, they can even trigger a full-blown attack.
Even if you don’t contact an animal, you can be exposed to its dander. This is especially true if you cross paths with the animal’s bedding or an object used by the pet, such as toys.
Because pet dander is a common cause of asthma attacks, reducing it at home can help relieve symptoms. Brushing and bathing your pets should be done regularly. When grooming your pet, choose to do so outside or on a carpet-free floor. This will make cleaning the floor more accessible and will keep dander from settling into your flooring. Also, wash pet bedding regularly and allow pets to play with their toys outside.
Carpets, as well as fabric furniture, should be vacuumed regularly. It is best to buy a HEPA vacuum because it removes 99.9% of animal dander. Mop your floors and dust with an electrostatic cloth as well. Sweeping with a broom should be avoided because it spreads more animal dander.
Read: Steps to Ensure Women’s Health
Control Moisture
Mold(2) grows in the presence of moisture in the home. Mold, unfortunately, is also a trigger of asthma symptoms. It causes an overreaction of the immune system, resulting in eye itching, coughing, and other unpleasant symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself is to limit your vulnerability to the molds that cause an asthma attack. Medications are available to help with symptom relief. However, slowing its growth is also good for your health.
Controlling moisture is the most effective method of mold control. This can be accomplished by thoroughly cleaning and drying all hard surfaces. Replace any moldy carpeting or ceiling tiles. Consider opening windows or using exhaust fans whenever you are bathing, cooking, or cleaning. Repair any leaks that are causing unwanted water to enter your home.
Minimize Use of Aerosol Sprays
When aerosols are inhaled, they cause an immune response in the airways. This causes the release of a variety of chemicals, such as histamines or leukotrienes. They cause lung inflammation, excessive mucus production, and the recruitment of more immune cells to the area. Unfortunately, this sets off a chain reaction that results in an asthma attack.
Aerosols easily trigger an attack especially, if they are used daily. If sprays are required, it is best to open a window to allow the air in the room to circulate. Also, for a couple of hours, avoid all rooms where aerosols have been sprayed.
Get Rid of Cockroaches
Cockroaches, believe it or not, can also cause asthma symptoms, such as runny nose, coughing, and chronic stuffy nose. They can usually be found hiding in every crack and crevice of your home. What’s worse, if they’re not removed, they can multiply quickly. This can aggravate the symptoms.
Keep your kitchen and floors clean to avoid cockroaches invading your home. Remove any crumbs and wipe up any spills. Always keep the lid on your garbage can and take out your trash regularly. Seal all food containers and store food properly.
