Stop! Your Home is Making Your Asthma Worse
Living with asthma can be difficult at times. At any moment, something could trigger an asthma attack that could leave you struggling to breathe.
There are many different asthma triggers — and some are worse for certain people than others.
While you might think you’re safe, the unfortunate truth is that there are a serious amount of triggers surrounding you — in your own home!
Dust Mites
When your home becomes filled with an above average amount of dust, there’s a chance your home could develop an infestation of dust mites. These super small pests will feed on dust (dead skin cells, pet dander, hair, etc.), and can trigger an allergic reaction or an asthma attack.
To limit the number of dust mites in your home, you should:
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Dust, sweep floors, and vacuum on a weekly basis.
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Wash bedding a minimum of once every two weeks.
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Reduce the amount of clutter in your home, so that dust is more accessible during cleanings.
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Change your HVAC system’s air filters every month
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Upgrade basic air filters to HEPA air filters; these filters will catch more dust particles and other allergens
Mold Growth
When mold is growing in your home, its spores can trigger asthma attacks and even make you sick if breathed in enough. Mold is completely preventable, as long as you:
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Keep the humidity level of your home between 30 and 50 percent: use a dehumidifier if the level goes above 50 percent.
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Turn on bathroom exhaust fans before showering, and leave them running at least 10 minutes after the shower has ended.
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Always use kitchen exhaust fans when using the stovetop.
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Avoid using humidifiers for extended periods of time.
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Inspect your home regularly for plumbing and roof leaks; repair immediately if any exist.
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals that can cause asthma attacks in the short term and harm your respiratory system in the long term. Unfortunately, VOCs are used in many common household products.
Avoid using any aerosol sprays, chemical cleaners, certain paints, paint strippers, degreasers, floor stainers, etc. Breathing in these products won’t just trigger an asthma attack, they can harm a person’s lungs even if they don’t have asthma.
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In order to keep your asthma at bay and prevent any attacks, you need to limit the number of triggers that exist in your home.
For those looking to have their air ducts cleared of dust, or have an air scrubber installed in their home, feel free to schedule an appointment so we can talk more about your indoor air quality issues!
