The average home is teeming with asthma triggers, so when it comes to combating the allergens and irritants that trigger symptoms, the solution is often simpler than you think. Start by cleaning to reduce your exposure to common asthma triggers. This is a key component to a successful asthma management plan, according to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. Ignore this simple step and your symptoms are less likely to improve. In fact, they may even worsen. Get started with these cleaning guidelines.

Dust mites

• Encase your pillows, comforter, and mattress in airtight anti-allergen covers.
• Wash blankets, drapes, throw pillows, and stuffed animals weekly, in hot water (at least 130° F).
• Remove fabric items that can’t be laundered, especially from the bedroom (including area rugs).
• If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood floors or linoleum, especially in the bedroom. Daily vacuuming will help if replacing the carpeting isn’t an option.
• Avoid feather or down-filled comforters and pillows.
• Vacuum and dust often. Install filter collection bags in your vacuum, or consider buying a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
• Wear a dust mask when you clean.

Pollen

• Keep doors and windows closed during pollen season.
• Stay indoors in the morning and on dry, windy days when pollen levels are higher.
• Wear a dust mask when doing yard work.
• Don’t dry laundry outdoors.

Mold and mildew

• Keep humidity levels at about 50%, optimal for lung function, but not so damp that molds thrive.
• Reduce the number of indoor plants at home, since molds can grow in their soil.
• Get rid of rugs and upholstered furniture that smell musty.
• Let someone else rake the leaves. Molds grow on fallen leaves and in moist soil, so raking can kick up the spores.
• Run the air conditioner if you live in a hot climate. Change filters often, or consider buying anti-allergen filters for wall and floor registers.

Pet allergen

• Wash your pet weekly, or have it washed elsewhere. Consider trying anti-dander shampoos and sprays.
• If animal dander triggers your asthma, a sure solution is finding your pet another home. Obviously, that’s not always an option. As a compromise, keep pets off the bed, limit them to uncarpeted areas indoors, and keep them outdoors as much as possible.

Cockroach allergen

• Cockroaches flock to areas where grocery bags, newspapers, empty bottles, or cardboard boxes are stored. Do not stockpile these items in your home, and keep trash and food containers sealed.
• Aggressively exterminate cockroaches and seal off areas of possible entry.

Irritants

• Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke by not allowing others to smoke in your home.
• Avoid contact with household chemicals or strong fumes from paint, harsh cleansers, and formaldehyde.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 18th, 2007 at 4:46 am and is filed under Adult Asthma. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.