Asthma is a complex condition that can affect daily activities and limit the quality of life. Numerous environmental triggers can worsen asthma symptoms, making it difficult to maintain optimal indoor air quality in the home. To reduce asthma symptoms, experts suggest making improvements to the home environment by adjusting the temperature, controlling humidity, avoiding irritants, and providing adequate ventilation. These adjustments can create a more comfortable and asthma-friendly home environment.
Home improvement strategies include reducing humidity and dust levels, contending with mold and mildew, cutting off sources of pet dander, using air cleaners, and replacing carpets or rugs with hard flooring. Each of these activities can improve air quality and keep the air in the home comfortable and free of allergens that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. With the right strategies and insights, it is possible to improve the home environment and create a safe and comfortable space for asthma sufferers.
Key Takeaways
1. Asthma is a serious, but manageable disease that can be managed better with certain home modifications.
2. Allergen avoidance is the best way to reduce the long-term effects of asthma. This includes eliminating visible dust, allergens from pet fur, and keeping the house dry and cool.
3. A variety of home modifications can help reduce a person’s asthma symptoms such as using HEPA air filters, mattress encasements, and reducing damp areas within the home.
4. Good cleaning habits should be practiced to reduce irritants, such as vacuuming with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter-equipped vacuum cleaner, removing shoes to minimize indoor allergens, and washing bedding and curtains regularly.
5. It’s recommended that individuals seek help from professionals to inspect the house, chair, and mattress for accumulations of dust, pet fur and allergens.
How Can I Make My Home Asthma-Friendly?
1. Control Indoor Air Pollution
The air inside your home is often two to five times more polluted than the air outside due to dust, second-hand smoke, pet dander, mould spores, cleaning products and other allergens. One of the best things you can do to create an asthma-friendly home environment is to reduce how much of these indoor air pollutants are in your home.
A. Use Vacuum Cleaners With HEPA Filters
Using a vacuum cleaner with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter can help remove pollutants from the air and reduce the risk of exposure. You can also make sure to vacuum carpets often to reduce accumulation of dust, pet hair, and odours.
B. Keep Your Home Smoke-Free
Second-hand smoke can be especially dangerous for people with asthma. Making sure your home is smoke-free can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances that can irritate one’s airways.
In addition, try to avoid burning candles, incense, or anything else that produces smoke.
C. Replace Carpeting and Drapes
Carpet can harbour many of the allergens that can trigger an asthma attack, as well as irritants like dust mites. To reduce dust, choosing hard flooring like hardwood, tile, or linoleum. In addition, you can choose washable curtains or shades rather than fabric or velvet drapes or curtains.
2. Remove Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in dust, and can be another source of irritation for people with asthma. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to help get rid of dust mites in your home:
A. Wash Bedding In Hot Water
Regularly washing your bedding in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) can help reduce dust mites. In addition, you can use special allergen-proof zippered covers for your pillows, mattresses and box springs.
B. Keep Humidity Low
Dust mites thrive in humid climates, so use a dehumidifier to help keep humidity in your home below 50%. Additionally, try to avoid having house plants indoors or any other source of high humidity, like bathrooms or basements.
C. Regularly Dust and Vacuum
Keeping your home free of dust is key to reducing dust mites. Dust regularly and use cloths with a damp cloth or a HEPA filter vacuum.
3. Avoid Mold and Mildew
Like dust mites, mold and mildew can also increase the risk of asthma attacks. To reduce the risk of exposure, you can:
A. Keep Appliances Dry
If you have any leaks or moisture in your home, make sure it is quickly cleaned up. Always check on your large appliances such as fridges and washing machines for any signs of dampness.
B. Clean Regularly
Mopping and wiping down surfaces regularly can help reduce the spread of mold and mildew.
C. Use Mold-Resistant Paint
Using a mold-resistant paint in your home helps reduce the spread of mold and mildew spores.
4. Manage Pests
Pests like bed bugs, cockroaches, and mice can bring dust, dirt, and other allergens into your home, making it difficult for people with asthma to breathe. Some steps you can take to keep your home pest free:
A. Seal Up Cracks and Gaps
Inspect your home for any cracks or openings, and seal them up. This will help keep pests out of your home.
B. Keep Spaces Clean and Dry
Clutter can attract pests, so make sure you keep your home tidy and free of debris. In addition, keep any areas where pests might thrive—like the kitchen or bathroom—clean and as dry as possible.
C. Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If you have a persistent pest problem, it is best to contact a professional to have it handled quickly and safely.
5. Change Your Home Furnishings
Pollutants and allergens can accumulate in the fabrics of old furniture, rugs, and pillows. Replacing these items with new, non-toxic items can help you create an asthma-friendly environment in your home. Look for furniture that is labeled “non-toxic” or “low-VOC.”
A. Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
When cleaning your home, make sure to use non-toxic cleaning products that do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many VOCs are linked to allergic reactions and asthma, so it is best to avoid them.
B. Install an Air Purifier
Installing an air purifier in your home can help reduce the amount of allergens and pollutants in your air. Make sure to choose a model certified by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) for its advertised performance.
C. Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods like processed food, dairy products, and sugar can worsen asthma symptoms. Avoiding these foods can help reduce the risk of an attack.
6. Tips for an Asthma-Friendly Home Environment
1. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove pollutants from the air.
2. Only buy non-toxic furniture, rugs, and pillows.
3. Replace old fabrics in your home with new items.
4. Seal any cracks or openings in your home.
5. Use non-toxic, low-VOC cleaning products for cleaning.
6. Install an AHAM-certified air purifier in your home.
7. Avoid second-hand smoke, burning candles, and other sources of smoke.
8. Dust, mop, and vacuum regularly to remove dust and mites.
9. Keep your home dry and free from pests.
10. Avoid processed foods, dairy products, and sugar.
What is an Asthma Friendly Home Environment?
An asthma friendly home environment is one that is designed to reduce exposures to indoor environmental triggers that cause asthma symptoms. It is important to control indoor air quality and common asthma triggers such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander to enable people with asthma to live comfortably and safely within their homes.
What are some ways to reduce Asthma Triggers at Home?
There are several ways to reduce asthma triggers at home, including: limiting exposure to smoking, maintaining good air quality through regular cleaning, using air purifiers, controlling humidity levels, and keeping pets out of bedrooms. Additionally, selecting furnishings and materials that contain low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can help to reduce the risk of asthma triggers.
How can I help reduce dust at home?
To reduce dust at home, vacuum carpets on a regular basis using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Additionally, it is important to frequently dust furniture and the surfaces using a damp cloth, and keep clutter to a minimum. Wash bedding in hot water once a week; and consider investing in allergen-proof mattress covers, pillow cases, and air filters to reduce the amount of dust in the home environment.
How will eliminating humidity help reduce Asthma Triggers?
Humidity can create a moist atmosphere that is favorable for the growth of allergens like mold and dust mites. By controlling the levels of humidity in the home, the growth of these allergens can be reduced, which in turn will help to reduce asthma triggers.
What are some of the benefits of having a Clean Home Environment?
A clean home environment can provide several health benefits such as reducing the risk of allergens and asthma triggers, improving air quality, providing a healthier living environment and reducing stress. Additionally, a clean home can facilitate a more restful sleep, which is beneficial for overall health and well-being.
What products should I use for a Clean Home Environment?
It is important to select household cleaning products that are designed for asthma-friendly homes. These products should be non-toxic and provide deep cleans without the use of harsh chemicals. Natural cleaning products such as white vinegar and baking soda can also be used for natural deep cleans.
What flooring types are safe for people with Asthma?
Carpets can harbour dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. To reduce the risk of asthma triggers, it may be beneficial to avoid carpeting and opt for hardwood, natural stone, or a non-porous laminate flooring. Additionally, vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner that has a good air filter can help reduce dust and other pollutants.
Are there any special Considerations for Laundry?
It is important to wash bedding and clothes that contain dust particles in hot water. Additionally, selecting unscented and hypoallergenic detergents can help further reduce the amount of allergens in the home. It is also advisable to avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as these products can increase the levels of irritants in the home environment.
Are Air Filters an Effective Way to Control Indoor Air Quality?
Air filters are an important part of controlling indoor air quality. Air filters are designed to trap various pollutants and allergens, thus helping to reduce asthma triggers. When selecting air filters, it is important to consider the size and type of filter as well as how often the filter will need to be changed.
How often should I get my Home Professionally Cleaned?
It is recommended to have your home professionally cleaned at least once every six months. Professional cleaning helps to remove built-up dust and soil that vacuum cleaners and other cleaning tools may not be able to reach.
Final Thoughts
Creating an asthma friendly home environment is important for providing relief from asthma symptoms. To ensure maximum comfort and safety, it is essential to reduce common asthma triggers and maintain proper air quality in the home. Selecting proper cleaning products and creating an environment that limits the presence of dust and other allergens can help to create a safer home environment.
For more information on how to create an asthma friendly home environment, it is important to consult with a doctor or allergist to get useful advice and guidance on choices that can be made to create a clean and healthy home.
