ASTHMA CAUSES & TRIGGERS

Asthma Causes & Triggers

Clearing Your Home Of Asthma Triggers

Wheezing when exhaling.
Shortness of breath.
Cough
Chest tightness or pain.

Asthma can even sometimes cause death.

Do you or your children have asthma? You are not alone. About 25.9 million people in America have asthma. Asthma prevalence is higher in children.

The air quality that we take can make a difference. Allergens and irritants are common in homes that trigger asthma. Consult a doctor & take precautions to help your child breathe easier & reduce asthma triggers in your home.

Here are some common triggers:

Secondhand smoke. Smoke from the burning end of a pipe, cigarette, or cigar, as well as smoke inhaled out by a smoker, can cause & trigger asthma. So, it is advised not to smoke in your house or car. Also, restrict others from doing so.

Dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic and cannot be seen, although they can be found in any home. Dust mites live in carpets, clothes, fabric-covered furniture, mattresses, pillows, bedcovers, and stuffed toys.

Though it is impossible to eliminate dust mites from your house; you can take the following steps if they are a trigger for your asthma:

Vacuum and dust at least once a week, especially in your bedrooms.
Avoid using a feather or down pillows or comforters.
Wash all of your bedding in hot water and then dry it on a high setting, twice-thrice in a month.
Get rid of carpeting, especially wall-to-wall or shag carpeting in your room.
Choose washable stuffed toys. Always wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds.

Pets. Your pet’s saliva, dander (skin flakes that are like dandruff), saliva (spit), urine (pee), and feathers are some animal parts that can trigger asthma. Consider keeping pets outside or at least keep them out for your bedroom and other sleeping areas. Also, keep the door closed so that they can’t enter your bedroom. Keep pets away from carpets, fabric-covered furniture, and stuffed toys.

Molds. Molds grow on damp materials such as bathrooms and basements.

Moisture control is the key to mold prevention. If your home has a mold problem, clean it up and eliminate any excess water or moisture.

To get rid of molds;

Keep things dry.
In the basement or other moist places, use a dehumidifier.
Set the air conditioner to cool.
Remove houseplants that might have mold in their soil.
Remove all wallpaper and carpeting from bathrooms and basement rooms.
Using a bleach solution, remove any visible mold or mildew with
Wash or replace moldy shower curtains.
Maintain low indoor humidity.

Pests. Asthma can be triggered by droppings or the body part of pests such as cockroaches or rats. Food and waste should not be left outside. Store food in a sealed container. Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids as soon as possible. Try using poison baits, traps, or boric acid (for cockroaches) before using pesticide sprays. When spraying, make sure there is plenty of fresh air and keep the asthmatic out of the room.

Most dust and dust mites in your home are found in mattresses, bedding, and box springs. House dust may contain tiny particles of fibers from clothing and fabrics, pollen, mold, and detergents that may trigger allergies and asthma. Remove dust often with a Use damp cloth, vacuum carpet, and fabric-covered furniture to remove dust and reduce the growth of dust. If you have an allergy to dust and dust mites, stay away from the area where it is being vacuumed. Using vacuums with high-efficiency filters or central vacuums, you can remove the dust mites from your home effectively.