Asthma can make breathing a daily challenge, turning your home into a place where you should feel safest into a potential health hazard. However, with some adjustments to your living environment, you can significantly reduce asthma triggers and make your space more comfortable. Here’s how to create an asthma-friendly home.
Keep It Clean
Dust mites are a common asthma trigger. Minimize their presence by regularly washing bedding in hot water, using allergen-proof mattresses and pillow covers, and vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Reducing clutter where dust can accumulate also helps.
Fight the Mold
Mold spores can irritate your airways. Combat mold by controlling humidity levels in your home—aim for below 50%. Fix leaks promptly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms, and consider a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements. Regularly cleaning areas where mold tends to grow, using mold-killing products, also contributes to a healthier breathing space.
Banish Smoking
Tobacco smoke is a major irritant for people with asthma. Enforce a strict no-smoking policy inside your home to keep the air clean. This rule should apply to all types of smoke, including incense and candles, which can also aggravate asthma symptoms.
Pet Dander Control
Pets can be lovely companions, but their dander can be a problem. If possible, keep pets out of bedrooms and off upholstered furniture. Washing pets weekly and investing in a good air purifier can also help reduce airborne dander.
Allergy-Proof Your Bed
Your bed can be a haven for allergens. Besides using allergen-proof covers, consider replacing wool or feather bedding with synthetic materials that are less likely to harbor allergens. Aim to replace pillows and mattresses every few years.
Purify the Air
Invest in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne particles, including pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. Placing a few throughout your home, especially in bedrooms, can help you breathe easier. Remember, outdoor air can also carry triggers, so keep windows closed during high pollen seasons and on windy days.
