Asthma is a chronic health condition that affects the airways in your lungs. Statistics show that over 25 million Americans have asthma, making it the most common chronic illness in children. It can cause difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing. Managing asthma in the home environment can be challenging, but there are practical things you can do to make living with it more manageable. This article will discuss four tips to help you manage asthma in your home.
Ensure Your Home is Clean
Keeping your home clean and dust-free is an essential step to managing asthma at home. Dust mites and other allergens commonly found indoors can trigger an asthma attack, so you should do regular cleaning to reduce their presence as much as possible. Vacuuming carpets and furniture weekly and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth will help keep the air in your home clean and reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups.
Additionally, looking out for other sources of allergens in the home is essential. Pet dander, mold, and certain pests, such as cockroaches, may also trigger asthma symptoms and should be eliminated or reduced when possible. To reduce pet dander, keep pets off carpets and furniture, brush them outside regularly if they are kept indoors, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help trap the allergen particles.
Mold is another common asthma trigger, particularly in damp or humid conditions such as basements or bathrooms. Ensure your home ventilation system is working correctly and there are no water leaks. Regularly inspect for mold growth on walls and ceilings, and clean it off with a damp cloth as soon as possible if you find any.
Finally, pest control is also important for managing asthma at home. Regular pest control treatments should be performed to reduce or eliminate the presence of cockroaches or other pests in your home. If you do see signs of pests in between treatments, contact a professional exterminator to get rid of them for good.
Use Air Filters and Humidifiers
An air filter or humidifier can help reduce allergens and other irritants in your home’s air. Air filters trap airborne particles such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, and dust mites, while humidifiers add moisture to the air which can help minimize reactions to allergens. You should clean both types of machines regularly to ensure they are working efficiently. Make sure you also replace their filters often for maximum efficiency.
If you have pets or smoke in your home, using an air filter can help reduce the indoor air pollution caused by these sources. Air filters come in various sizes and types to suit different needs. HEPA air filters are designed to remove the smallest particles from the air, such as dust mites, pollen, and mold spores. Activated carbon filters are effective at capturing odors, smoke, and gases. UV air filters also use ultraviolet light to reduce airborne bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms.
In addition to using an air filter or humidifier, you should also try to improve your home’s ventilation. Open windows and doors frequently to allow fresh air in, and use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to remove indoor pollutants. You should also consider sealing any cracks or openings around your home that could let in outdoor allergens or irritants.
Get a Damper Installed
A fire damper is a device used to prevent the spread of smoke and heat in case of a fire. It should be installed on any heating or cooling system that vents into your home, as it will help prevent an asthma attack if there is a fire in your home.
Dampers for fire help to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another, thus helping protect against property damage and loss of life. They should be installed in any home with an HVAC system or other venting systems. The damper is usually located in a wall or ceiling between two rooms, with the blades being opened or shut depending on the air’s temperature.
When installing a fire damper, it’s essential to use a professional who is certified and experienced in this type of work. They will be able to advise which type of damper is best for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly and in the right place. The installation process is relatively straightforward and can typically be completed in under an hour. However, it’s important to remember that fire dampers should constantly be tested to make sure they are in good working order and will provide complete protection in case of a fire.
Have Regular Maintenance Checks
It’s essential to have regular maintenance checks for all of your appliances, including air conditioners, humidifiers, furnaces, and boilers. This will help ensure they are working correctly and according to safety standards. Ensuring everything is in working order can reduce the risk of an asthma attack due to faulty equipment.
Regular maintenance checks should include:
- Inspecting the air filters.
- Checking for any broken switches or electrical components.
- Testing the temperature sensors.
Keeping your system running smoothly will also help maintain a steady indoor temperature, reducing the chance of dry air contributing to asthma symptoms. If you notice any changes in performance from your equipment, contact a qualified technician to inspect and diagnose the issue.
To Wrap It Up
Although it can be tough to keep asthma under control in the home, there are various practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of an attack. By following these four tips, you can make your home a safer and healthier environment for those with asthma. Furthermore, by regularly checking and maintaining all the appliances in your home, you can help ensure that they are working properly and safely.
