Asthma Prevention Strategies

asthma image courtesy of http://www.breathela.org/files/breathela/groups/asthma-portal

Because inhaled allergies are the most common trigger, many asthmatics find some relief from reducing dust mites, pollen and animal dander from their environs.  Here’s a guide to reducing allergens at home.

Remove as much upholstered furniture and carpeting as possible.

Once or twice a week, clean all floors with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, then wet-mop uncarpeted floors.  Wear a mask if you are doing the cleaning.  Dust surfaces at least two times a week – or better yet, have someone else do it for you.

If possible, remove any animals (including birds) from your home – or at least keep furry pets outdoors and delegate someone to give them weekly baths.

Don’t smoke – and ask others not to smoke in your home.  Avoid fumes from fireplaces, wood burning and kerosene stoves, etc.

Reduce mold and dust mites.  Cover mattresses and pillows with airtight, hypoallergenic covers; wash sheets, blankets and children’s toys weekly in hot water.  Use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels to less than 50 percent.  Clean all bathroom and kitchen surfaces weekly with a solution of one part bleach to twenty parts water.

Make your home unfriendly to roaches.  Keep food and garbage tightly sealed.  If you need to exterminate, choose poison baits and traps over irritating sprays.

If you have any significant time outdoors during allergy season (e.g., gardening, at a picnic), as soon as you get home, remove your clothes, shower and wash your hair.

Avoid cold-weather exercise problems.  Work out indoors or wear a scarf over your mouth to warm air on cold days.  Do a five-to ten-minute warm-up and cool-down – both reduce airway irritation.