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How to Clear Your Air of Asthma Triggers

Asthma, a common respiratory ailment presenting with coughing, chest tightness, breathing difficulties and wheezing, affects men, women and children of all ages. Asthma can be present at birth or acquired due to allergies and other medical conditions. To reduce onset of an asthma attack, the best preventive measure is to reduce the number of triggers in and around your home. The most common triggers are mold and dust mites.

Things You'll Need

  • Regular soap
  • Washer and dryer
  • Nontoxic cleaners
  • Vacuum
  • Dust-proof pillow covers
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Instructions

  1. How to Clear the Air of Asthma Triggers

    • 1

      Identify what triggers your asthma. Your doctor can help pinpoint asthma triggers through a series of tests. You may already know your triggers, based on previous asthma attacks.

    • 2

      Clear your home of mold. Typically mold can be found on shower curtains or places in the bathroom. Use soap and water to clean shower curtains and keep the bathroom clean. Use exhaust fans when showering to prevent mold growth. Fix leaky plumbing, as the accumulation of dampness can encourage mold growth.

    • 3

      Clear your home of dust mites, which can be found in pillows, bedding and other cloth-like material. Use a dust-proof pillowcase to keep yourself out of contact with any dust mites that may be inside pillows. Wash bedding every week. Vacuum couches, sofas and carpeting weekly. If your child has asthma, wash any of his stuffed toys weekly. Make sure material is completely dry after washing.

    • 4

      Avoid smoking, particularly inside the house as this can trigger asthma attacks. Again, if your child has asthma, do not smoke around your children.

    • 5

      Keep the kitchen tidy and free of spoiled food that can attract pests, such as cockroaches. Wipe down the counters and stove top with soap and water. Toss leftover food from plates in the trash. Throw the trash out regularly, if not immediately, if any rotten food is inside. Keep lids on your trash cans.

    • 6

      Keep pets outside, if possible. Pet dander also can be a trigger for asthma. If you are unable to keep pets outside, keep them out of the bedroom and off the furniture.

    • 7

      Use proper ventilation when using fireplaces. Open the flue. If you are using a wood-burning fireplace, ensure the doors shut tightly so no smoke comes out.

    • 8

      Avoid chemical irritants. While it may be difficult to know what chemicals will be irritable without experimenting, understand that triggers may be present in certain cleaners, cosmetics and other products used around the house. Use hypoallergenic products when possible to reduce chances of asthma occurrences

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