5 Things You Should Do if Someone in Your Home Has Asthma

Asthma cannot be completely eradicated but there are simple ways to manage and avoid this illness especially if people are aware of things that should be done when they live with someone who has asthma.

Quit Smoking

When you live in the same roof with a loved one who has asthma, it is impossible for the patient to not inhale second hand smoke. Second hand smoke or smoke produced by a smoker and breathed in by another person can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure your home is a cigarette and tobacco smoke free zone. Instead of just designating a smoking area or trying one’s best to not smoke near the person with asthma, inside the home or inside the car, it would be in the best interest of every member of the family to just quit smoking.

Leave No Room for Dust Mites

Dust mites can trigger an asthma attack if the person who has asthma is allergic to dust and most likely, they are. Make sure these microscopic bugs are eradicated from your home.

Here’s a list of things you can do to prevent dust mites:

• Use a humidifier to keep relative humidity levels at around 30- 50% which is not suitable for dust mites.
• Regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, and floors
• Make sure you wash your bedding and dry it completely once a week
• Allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers make a good barrier from dust mites so make sure you use them
• Never use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters.

Make Sure The Person with Asthma Stays Away from Air Pollution

Smoke from burning wood and dried leaves can trigger an asthma attack because they are producing harmful gases and particles that can be inhaled in large amounts and cause an asthma flare up.

Air pollution from factories and cars are even more harmful. Make sure you live in a place away from all of these if you have a loved one with asthma and make sure you check air quality forecasts on the internet before you  plan your activities to make sure there is no air pollution when you go out.

Keep the Person Away from Pets that Is Causing Asthma Attacks

If the furbaby can’t be rehomed, just make sure the person’s exposure is lessened by keeping the pet away from the bedroom and always keeping the pet clean. Using air cleaners with HEPA filters and allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers may help prevent asthma attacks.

Keep the Person Away from All Possible Triggers

Molds, harmful disinfectants, poor ventilation, flu, colds, respiratory syncytial virus, sinus infections and pollen must be kept away from the person with asthma.

Acid reflux, excessive physical activity, bad weather such as thunderstorms and high humidity can also trigger asthma attacks.

It is also important to take note of food, medicine, food additives and fragrances which may be the person with asthma is allergic to so it can be avoided.

Most importantly, try your best not to upset the person with asthma because intense emotions can lead to very fast breathing or hyperventilation which is also a trigger of asthma attack.

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Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre

For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,

Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,

Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services

http://www.hkentspecialist.hk