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What Cleaning Agent Can Trigger Asthma?

People who suffer from asthma can suffer from asthma attacks due to pollution, respiratory infections and chemical cleaning agents. It is important to recognize these triggers to avoid asthma attacks.

  1. Identification

    • Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation of the airways, making it harder to breathe. Some symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. Some people wheeze only when sick; others may have asthma symptoms during exercise. Environmental pollutants and chemicals can trigger an asthma attack.

    Spray Cleaners

    • Spray cleaners, such as glass cleaners and furniture polish, may trigger asthma symptoms. The risk is increased if these cleaners are used more than once a week. This means housekeepers and janitors may be at a higher risk for asthma attacks. Kenneth Rosenman, M.D., the chief of the division of occupational and environmental medicine at Michigan State University, advises that all people reduce their use of all types spray cleaners as much as possible. Spray cleaners distribute the chemicals into the air, making them easy to inhale. This can increase the risk of asthma symptoms. Heavily scented products such as air fresheners can also increase these risks.

    Effects

    • Spray cleaners have adverse effects on asthma sufferers, due to the amount of chemicals that are introduced into the air and then inhaled. Air fresheners are used in many homes, and may also trigger asthma symptoms. Bathroom spray cleaners containing bleach are also to blame for worsening asthma symptoms.

    Considerations

    • If you or someone in your family suffers from asthma, then it may be best to avoid heavily scented products to reduce asthma attacks. Some perfumes will trigger attacks, as well as powder and hairspray. If your house is being painted, allow enough time for the paint to dry and air the house out well before returning home.

    Warning

    • Asthma can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. Severe asthma attacks can be a life-threatening condition and may require emergency medical treatment. It is important to learn what triggers affect you and avoid them.

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