Improving Indoor Air Quality for Allergy & Asthma Patients
Living with allergies and asthma can be challenging, especially when it feels like the air we breathe is working against us.
Thankfully, there are steps we can take to create a haven of clean, fresh air in our homes.
Watch the Video: Improving Indoor Air Quality for Allergy & Asthma Patients
What is Air Pollution?
Air pollution refers to harmful substances in the air originating from both outdoor and indoor sources.
While outdoor air pollution often makes headlines, indoor air pollution also significantly impacts our health, especially for those with allergies and asthma.
Common Indoor Air Pollutants
Dust Mites: Microscopic creatures that thrive in warm and humid environments, often found in bedding, carpets, and upholstery.
Pet Dander: Tiny fragments of skin shed by house pets with fur or feathers can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
Mold Spores: Microscopic seeds released by mold are common in high-humidity areas like bathrooms and basements.
Smoke and Cooking Odors: Combustion byproducts from tobacco smoke and cooking can contribute to poor air quality in your home.
Household Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be released into the air, impacting indoor air quality.
Air Fresheners: These often contain synthetic fragrances and other chemicals that can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Scented Candles: While they create a cozy atmosphere, the fragrance in aromatic candles can release irritants into the air when burned.
Why is Indoor Air Quality Important for Asthma and Allergy Patients?
If you have asthma and allergies, the air you breathe can be a powerful trigger for symptoms. Poor indoor air quality worsens respiratory problems, amplifying the occurrence and intensity of asthma attacks and allergic reactions.
Therefore, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for managing these conditions and improving your overall well-being.
How Poor Indoor Air Quality Impacts Asthma and Allergy Management
Increased Symptoms: Exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to heightened allergy symptoms and more frequent asthma attacks.
Reduced Lung Function: Poor air quality can negatively impact lung function, making it harder for individuals with asthma to breathe comfortably.
Exacerbation of Allergies: Allergy triggers in the home can worsen symptoms, leading to nasal congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Preventing exposure to harmful substances is crucial to effectively managing asthma and allergies. The following are some simple guidelines to help you improve indoor quality. We also recommend that you speak to your doctor about specific ways to reduce triggers in your home or office.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your living space regularly by dusting and vacuuming to minimize dust mites and pet dander.
Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation by using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity and expel pollutants.
Air Purifiers: Consider using air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters to remove airborne particles.
Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% to discourage mold growth. To help maintain optimal humidity levels, consider installing dehumidifiers in high-humidity areas of your home.
No Smoking Indoors: Avoid smoking indoors, as tobacco smoke is a significant indoor air pollutant.
Switch to Asthma and Allergy Friendly Products: Choose products that have received asthma and allergy certifications for various items such as bedding, vacuums, cleaning products, flooring, paint, and more.
Breathing easier at home is not just a luxury—it’s an essential component of your asthma and allergy management plan alongside traditional and biologic drugs.
So, as the days grow colder, forcing you to spend more time indoors, please take proactive steps to improve the air you breathe at home to help create a healthier and more comfortable living environment.
