Allergy and Asthma Control in the Home
Particles in the Air We Breathe
The air we breathe carries many particles of different types and sizes. Some large particles may settle on the walls and furniture of your home. Other large particles are separated from the air through the nose and mouth when you inhale. The smaller particles are sucked into the depths of the lungs.
Asthma can be triggered by large and small particles. Some particles found in the air originate indoors. Others are carried in the outside air. Foreign particles enter your home through windows, doors and heating systems.
For most people, the particles are in the indoor air will not cause any problems. But people with allergic symptoms, including asthma, may have problems in the same household.
The "Triggers" Asthma and Allergies
If you or someone you know have allergic symptoms or asthma, are sensitive to "triggers", which include the airborne particles. These "triggers" may initiate a reaction in your lungs and other parts of your body. The triggers can be found in the interior or exterior. They can be simple things like:
1. Cold air
2. Snuff smoke and wood smoke
3. Perfume, paint, hair spray, or different strong odors or fumes
4. Allergens (particles that cause allergies) such as dust mites, pollen, mold, pollutants and animal dander (which is made up of tiny scales or particles that emerge from the hair, feathers or skin) of any animal domestic
5. Common cold, flu or other respiratory diseases.
Identifying triggers is not always easy. If you know what your triggers, reduce exposure to them can help prevent asthma attacks and allergies.
If you do not know what triggers your asthma and allergy problems, try to limit their exposure to a suspected factor at a time. Look to see if it improves. This may show if that trigger is a problem for you.
Controlling The Triggers
Here are some common triggers and several ways to help control them at home:
Snuff smoke
No smoking should be allowed in the house of someone who has asthma or allergies. Ask family members and friends to smoke outside. Suggest that they stop smoking.
Wood smoke
The wood smoke is a problem for children and adults with asthma and allergies. Avoid stoves and fireplaces.
Pets
Almost all pets or pets can cause allergies, including dogs and especially cats. Small animals such as birds, hamsters and guinea pigs can cause problems, so that all pets should be removed from the home if they trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
The allergens from pets can stay in the house for months after the pet has been removed, because they persist in house dust. It may take some time to begin to improve allergy and asthma symptoms.
If the pet remains at home, keep it out of the bedroom of anyone with asthma or allergies. The animal weekly baths can help reduce the amount of saliva and pet dander found in the house.
Sometimes we hear that some cats or dogs are "non-allergenic." There is no such thing as a cat or dog "non-allergenic," especially if you leave dander and saliva in the house. Japanese fish and other tropical fish can be good substitutes.
Cockroaches
Even cockroaches can cause problems, so it is important to get rid of cockroaches in your home. The cockroach allergen comes from dead insects and their droppings. It accumulates in house dust and is difficult to remove. Careful cleaning of your home will help.
Indoor Molds
When the humidity is high, mold can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often. The basement in particular may need a dehumidifier. And remember that water from the dehumidifier must be emptied and the container cleaned often to prevent mold from forming.
When you sweat, mold can form in hulespuma pillows (polyurethane foam). To avoid the formation of molds, place the pillow in a pillow case in which it can not penetrate the air and seal it with tape. Wash your pillow every week, and be sure to change it every year.
Also formed in houseplants molds, so that consideration must frequently. You may need to keep all your plants outside.
Strong odors or fumes
The perfume, air fresheners, cleaning chemicals, paint and talc are examples of triggers that should be avoided or kept at very low concentrations.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are minute spiders, microscopic size, typically found in house dust. In a pinch of dust can be several thousand mites. Mites are one of the main triggers for people with allergies and asthma. Dust mites are the most difficult to remove.
Use a solution to control allergies, a cleaner that can kill the mite allergen. Consult your doctor or pharmacist what cleaner should buy.
Following these rules can also help you get rid of dust mites:
• Place mattresses in cases in which the air can not penetrate. Place tape throughout the closure.• Póngales the covers on pillows that can not penetrate the air. Place tape throughout the closure. Or wash the pillow each week.
• Wash all bedding weekly in water at a temperature of at least 130 degrees F. Remove the comforter or bedspread at night may be helpful.
• Do not sleep or lie on upholstered furniture (padded).
• Remove carpets or rugs from the bedroom.
• Shake the dust from the surface as often as possible.
• When cleaning, use a damp mop or damp cloth.
• Do not use aerosols or spray cleaners in the chamber.
• And do not clean or vacuum the room when this someone with asthma or allergies.
• Curtains and window blinds attract dust. Use blinds or curtains made of plastic or other washable for easy cleaning.
• Remove upholstered furniture and stuffed animals (unless it can be washed), and anything that is under the bed.
• The closets need extra care. Only must contain the necessary clothing. A procedure that can be useful is close plastic bags with clothespins. (Do not use plastic bags to cover dry cleaning clothes).
• A dust mites like moisture. Reduce humidity in your home can decrease the number of mites. A dehumidifier can be helpful.
• Air filters may be of limited utility to keep your home cleaner and more comfortable. Consult your doctor for advice about air filters.
• Cover air inlets of the chamber with several layers of cheesecloth to reduce the number of large size allergenic particles entering the chamber.
General Rules to Help Manage Your Home Environment
The control of the domestic environment is an important part of care of patients with asthma and allergies. Some general rules for home control to be followed by all members of the family are:
1. Reduce or eliminate your home many triggers of asthma and allergies as possible.
2. If possible, use filters and air conditioners for your home cleaner and more comfortable.
3. Pay attention to the problem of dust mites. Strive to control this problem in the bedroom.
4. Agitated vacuums dust and allergens found in the air. A vacuum cleaner with an air filter or a central vacuum with a bag collector outside the house may be of limited utility. Anyone with asthma or allergies should avoid vacuuming. If necessary use, can be useful dust mask.
