1. Get Into a Cleaning Routine
Some of the most common allergens that trigger asthma are:
- Animal dander, hair, saliva, urine, and feces
- Cockroaches
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen
These substances can build up in your home over time. Try to commit to a regular cleaning routine, including vacuuming, damp mopping, and dusting surfaces once a week.
Wear a Mask While Cleaning
Cleaning can disturb allergens and cause them to circulate in the air. If you have allergic asthma, consider wearing a mask while cleaning.
2. Monitor Air Quality
Indoor air quality issues can sneak up on you. You might not even be aware that your asthma symptoms are due to poor air quality in your home.
You can check outdoor air quality using the Air Quality Index (AQI) on weather apps or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. You can also use a portable air quality sensor to monitor the air quality inside your home. These sensors aren’t as accurate as the AQI, but they can still be helpful.
3. Use an Air Purifier
Investing in an air purifier to constantly run in your bedroom and living space is a wise choice if you have allergic asthma.
These devices circulate air through a filtration system that removes allergens and other particles, improving overall air quality and reducing dust buildup over time.
4. Wash Bedding Regularly
Be sure to wash and change your bedding regularly to reduce the buildup of skin cells, hair, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens.
5. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
You may be tempted to open your windows and doors to let in fresh air if you have allergic asthma. However, experts advise against this.
It might seem counterintuitive, but keeping your windows and doors closed is actually preferred. It keeps pollen and other outdoor allergens from entering your home and getting stuck there.
6. Practice Pest Control
Nobody wants mice, insects, cockroaches, and other pests to infest their home. However, if you have allergic asthma, take extra precautions to deter these pests, such as:
- Avoiding chemical pest control
- Cleaning spills, crumbs, and dirty dishes immediately
- Covering garbage
- Not leaving food out
- Sealing any openings around cabinets
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Using poison baits, traps, and boric acid
7. Regularly Change Filters
Be sure to keep track of filter changes in devices such as vacuums, air purifiers, and air conditioners. You’ll also want to change your furnace filter on a regular schedule.
8. Keep Up With Building Maintenance
Cracks in the foundation or roof and gaps in the windows can leak allergens into your house. If you own your home, do your best to keep up with regular home maintenance. If you rent, let your landlord know about any issues.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, you have to enlist professional help to manage allergic asthma due to household allergens.
If you’re having asthma attacks or your symptoms are getting in the way of your everyday life, consider talking to your healthcare provider to review your current treatment plan.
You may also need to hire professionals to help you deal with issues such as severe mold, insect or rodent infestations, and foundation cracks.
Summary
If you have allergic asthma, you may be triggered by allergens in your home. However, you can make many small changes to reduce allergens and allergic asthma symptoms. Turning these changes into habits may take time, but doing so can significantly impact your health and quality of life in the long run.
