People with asthma have to be careful wherever they go to avoid the common factors that can trigger an attack. While they can avoid public places that might be problematic, their homes should be maintained in ways that will minimize the risk of asthma flare-ups. Here are several things you can do to reduce the risk of asthma attacks in your home.
While it is fine to keep indoor pets, those with fur, especially cats and dogs, are prone to shedding at certain times of the year. People who are sensitive to pet dander or allergic to cats or dogs need to avoid this trigger. It may help to keep animals out of your bedroom to lessen the risk of nighttime exposure to allergens. Pets should be groomed often and ideally have shorter fur if possible, so consider getting a short-furred breed. Pets that go outside at times may track in pollen or other allergens that could cause problems, so arrange a safe area outside for your dog or cat.
Vacuum the carpets and dust the floors every couple of days to clear dust, debris, and pollen tracked in on people’s shoes. Upholstered furniture should be vacuumed as well, and at least once a year scrub the furniture and rugs for a deep cleaning.
Change the furnace filter every four to six months to keep clean air circulating throughout your home. Have a professional HVAC systems company inspect and maintain the furnace and air conditioner each year to ensure they are working efficiently. Every year or two you may want to have the vents professionally cleaned or use your vacuum sweeper’s arm attachment to remove dust inside the air vents.
Avoid contact with triggers you are sensitive to in your home. Smokers should light up in a restricted area of the house or outdoors, if smoke causes an asthma flare. Certain foods that cause problems for asthmatics should not be eaten or served to others in the home. Open the windows occasionally to let in fresh air to improve circulation if the indoor air is stagnant or contains substances that may trigger an asthma attack.
Asthma can be a scary condition when people are unable to fully breathe. Their homes should remain free of triggers with clean air circulation to reduce asthma attacks and promote healthy breathing.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan