Allergic asthma is a lung disease triggered by external allergens that come in contact with very reactive air passages. These allergens that are harmless to most people cause a person with allergic asthma to experience constriction and swelling of the airways, and an increase in mucus production which make breathing difficult.
Identifying and learning to avoid these 5 triggers found in your home and the environment will go a long way towards controlling allergic asthma.
Smoke--Smoke from all tobacco products, wood burning stoves, cooking, fireplaces, smog, and outdoor air pollution should be avoided. Start by banning smoking in your home at any time. Make sure wood burning and cooking stoves are properly vented. Have your chimney cleaned to make sure the fireplace will effectively draw smoke up and out of the room. Check the smog and pollution index daily, and on days when pollution is high, limit, or if possible, avoid being outdoors.
Pollen--Whether your allergy is triggered by tree pollen in the late winter and spring, grass pollen in the summer, or weed pollen in the fall you can still reduce your exposure to it. Get your local pollen count each morning, and on days when the pollen count is high, limit your outdoor time. Pollen is generally highest in the early morning and is airborne in greatest density on dry windy days.
Mold--Mold spores are everywhere, but they only grow if there is moisture. Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements are favorite spots inside your home for mold growth. Make sure that there is proper ventilation, fix leaking pipes in the kitchen and bathroom, and create proper drainage and waterproofing in the basement to avoid huge mold population. Use a dehumidifier if necessary and try to keep overall humidity in your home at less than 50%.
Dust Mites--Dust mites feed on dead skin, and make their homes in your mattress, sheets, and pillows. Their droppings can trigger your asthma daily making it difficult for you to rest well in your bedroom. Encasing the mattress and pillow in an airtight (fabric is usually more comfortable than the vinyl) cover will reduce the number of dust mites that are able to make their home in your bedding. Washing your bedding once a week in water that is a least 130 degree water kills the mites.
Pet Dander--If you have a dog, cat, rabbit, mice, or other furry pets, they are constantly shedding dander-- small flakes of dead skin. It is usually the protein in the dander that causes the allergic reaction. Wash your pets\' bedding in 130 degree water once a week, and if possible, keep your pet off the bed and out of your bedroom. Use a high efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier in your home, and particularly your bedroom to make it a safe haven from airborne allergens that trigger reactions.
