Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which the airways become inflamed, making it hard to breathe. Asthma care can involve a variety of treatments and approaches to managing your condition. Sometimes it is possible to make changes in the environment that help make life easier for people with asthma.
Make it a smoke-free zone
Be strict about smoking and vaping in your home. Sometimes people hesitate to insist that no smoking be allowed in their homes, but you might be surprised to learn that most people accept this kind of ban. In surveys, up to 90% of respondents report that their homes are smoke-free, including half of the smokers in one study.
Air purifiers have been shown to have some effect on air quality in homes where people are allowed to smoke, but they are not as effective as stopping indoor smoking.
Clean carefully
Frequent vacuuming, washing soft furnishings often, and dusting thoroughly can all help asthma sufferers. But you should also be cautious about the kinds of cleaning products you choose.
Feather dusters may send dust and dander into the air, triggering asthma attacks. Scented cleaners and spray cleaners can irritate the lungs. Try a liquid or gel cleaner instead, use unscented products, and open windows while you clean.
In fact, it’s best for people with asthma to let someone else do the cleaning. Swap chores to avoid contact with cleaners.
Neutralize those flowers
About 80% of people with asthma have allergies. Asthma triggers can include food allergies and sensitivity to dust or even insects. Allergies to flowers can be an issue since people bring flowers into homes and offices intentionally.
Fortunately, removing the stamens of scented flowers like lilies removes the threat of an asthma attack. Just pinch off the anther (the pollen-containing part of the stamen) and dispose of it.
Avoid scented products
Air fresheners, essential oil diffusers, scented candles, incense, potpourri — many people enjoy these, but they can be torture for people with asthma.
Keep your home well-ventilated unless outdoor air carries pollen or other allergens. In that case, wash your hands or even shower when you come inside, keep windows closed, and rely on air conditioning. Just be sure to keep ducts and filters clean.
Control pets
Keep pets outside if possible. Bathe furry pets regularly and keep their spaces — crates or beds, for example — clean.
Some pets are more likely to trigger allergies than others, and people’s sensitivity varies, too. Poodles and other dogs of this type may be less likely to trigger an asthma attack than long-haired breeds. Parakeets may be less allergy-provoking than parrots. Apart from allergies, pet dander may cause breathing problems for people with asthma. If pets are important in your family, consider fish or turtles instead of furry friends.
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