Know Your Asthma Triggers!
The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid the allergens that trigger them. Allergens are the irritants that get into the body through inhalation.
These are the most common asthma triggers, and what you can do to prevent them from causing you trouble.
Ordinary household dust is one of the major causes of asthma suffering. Studies have shown that dust may be one of the factors that causes children to develop asthma.
The trouble is the tiny insects that live in dust, dust mites. The excrement of dust mites becomes airborne and causes an allergic reaction.
It is impossible to keep your house totally dust free, but regular cleaning will help. Dust mites thrive in humid environments, so make sure your house is not a good breeding ground.
Proper ventilation will help keep down on dust, and regular cleaning will help too. Bedding, clothes, carpets and furniture are the places dust mites like most. Make sure to keep things clean and dry. When cleaning dust, use a wet cloth or tissue rather than a dry one; a dry cloth will just stir up dust even morel.
Household mold is a much bigger problem than most people realize. It is often the case that you will experience an allergic reaction before you ever see any evidence of mold's presence.
Like dust, it is impossible to get rid of all mold. But mold, also, likes humidity. Any place that has gotten wet is a great place for mold to grow. Make sure that wet clothes, carpets and other surfaces are properly dried.
A dehumidifier or air filtration system will help reduce mold and dust in the house. If you have asthma, something like this is a good investment for you.
You may have a severe mold problem in your house and not even be aware of it. Check for mold under carpets, behind furniture, on bathroom tiles, on food and behind walls. Mold likes those out-of-the-way places!
Pollen is a common seasonal allergy which is a major asthma trigger. During the late spring and early summer, when pollen is high, wear a protective face mask when you are out and about. Try to avoid large areas of grass when pollen counts are high. The weather report on the news will tell you what days are better or worse for pollen allergy.
It's sad when we can't enjoy an animal's company because of an allergy. Pet hair and saliva are major allergy triggers. If you suffer from severe pet allergies, it may just be impossible for you to own a dog or cat. Otherwise, keep them out of the house, or keep them in restricted areas.
If you are able to pet a dog or cat, make sure you wash your hands afterward. You might also want to wear protective gloves when you are petting an animal.
Tobacco smoke is a major asthma trigger, and contributes significantly to childhood asthma development. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your house. Second hand smoke is extremely dangerous, especially for kids, and it clings to clothes and furniture. This is one of the most easily preventable causes of lifetime asthma suffering.
Recent studies have shown that air pollution is a major factor in asthma. It's been found that those who live in major cities are much more at risk for asthma. Keep this in mind when you are traveling or choosing a new place to live.
The presence of cockroaches causes an allergic reaction in most asthma sufferers. Nobody wants cockroaches in their home. Make sure you don't have leaky faucets or standing water in your house, and don't leave out any extra food for them to eat.
The most important step in asthma treatment and prevention is understanding what triggers are harmful to you. In addition, asthma triggers such as tobacco smoke and household dust have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing asthma in children.
Reduce the triggers, and you can breathe easier!
