How to Make Your Home Safe for Asthma Sufferers

As you study to earn your online bachelor of science in respiratory therapy degree you’ll be learning about a variety of respiratory related illnesses. One of these illnesses is Asthma, which according to the Centers for Disease Control, affects approximately 17.7 million American adults and 6.3 million American children under the age of 18. With that said, it helps to learn as much as possible about this illness.

When it comes to an asthma sufferer’s home life, there are some things that can be done to make the house safer and more comfortable for those with asthma. Here’s a closer look.

Fabrics are the Enemy

Even though some people love the feel of soft plush carpets, thick throw blankets, and heavy fabric window coverings, for someone with asthma these cause nothing but problems. These are the perfect places for dust mites, pollen, smoke, and chemicals to cling and linger. Even if you wash and clean the items on a regular basis, it’s still not enough.

The best step is to opt for hard floors such as wood, laminate, or tile where dust can’t build up. Even with these hard floors you still want to be sure they are mopped or vacuumed on a daily basis. Cleaning should be done when the asthma sufferer isn’t in the room, or better yet, when they aren’t home, as cleaning tends to kick it all up in the air.

As for bedding, you’ll want to avoid anything too plush and thick and also be sure to wash it on a very regular basis.

Cut out Smoking

For adults who have asthma, smoking is one of the biggest triggers. Obviously it is suggested they quit smoking. If there is a smoker in the house, but it’s not the asthma smoker, that smoke can still affect them. The best plan is not to allow smoking in the house and have that person wash their hands as soon as they come in.

Keep Windows/Doors Closed when Pollen Is High

There are certain times of year where the pollen counts are high outdoors. It’s very important during these times you keep the house closed up so you can keep the air clean. On these days, it is suggested you run the air conditioning and skip opening the windows.

Ensure the Home is Mold Free

Another big trigger for asthma sufferers is mold. You want to be sure that you don’t allow for any mold growth in the home. Typical places it can grow are on carpets, in bathrooms, on ceiling tiles, and in basements. If you do find mold in your home, it’s important to clean it and remove it immediately. It may be necessary to have a professional come in and take care of it for you.

Educate Yourself

While you work towards earning your online respiratory therapy degree it’s also important to take the extra steps and educate yourself. Learn as much as you can so that when you are in the field you’ll be that much more effective.

The post How to Make Your Home Safe for Asthma Sufferers appeared first on Just Naturally Healthy.

from Just Naturally Healthy http://ift.tt/2jfoIPv
via IFTTT