products, refined sugars, animal products (i.e. meat), and household cleaning products. In many cases, avoidance of allergens can lead to a great improvement in asthma symptoms.
. .. There are some simple steps one can take to reduce their exposure to the allergens. The easiest one is to keep the bedroom clear of dust, mold or pet dander. We spend almost 8 hours a day in our bedroom, so it should be an allergen-free sanctuary.
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Pets should not be allowed to spend extended amounts of time in this room. The carpets should be vacuumed, with a vacuum cleaner that uses a HEPA filter, and surfaces should be dusted regularly. If possible, an air filtration device should be kept in the bedroom. In the past HEPA filters were large and expensive; currently you can find excellent filters at many retailers which are small and affordable. I have one myself that is in use during the winter. If your house |
has central forced air heating, consider regular cleaning of the ductwork. If nothing else use good quality (HEPA or electro-static) furnace filters and change them often.
. .. Mold (actually mold spores) are a major trigger for asthma attacks. You might think that the only mold present is the type you see growing on old pieces of bread. Actually mold can grow on any surface where moisture is present. The most common indoor places to see mold are bathrooms, laundry rooms and on window sills. Outdoors mold is found in compost piles, grass clippings or water features. It is impossible to completely get rid of mold and mold spores, but there are some ways to help reduce the problem. If someone in your house has asthma, consider getting a dehumidifier, as this will reduce the moisture in the house and prevent mold from growing. Ideally the relative humidity should be between 30-50%. Proper ventilation is essential, especially in the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. Whenever possible, wash and completely dry hard surfaces.
. .. Try to avoid, or regularly clean, absorbent materials such as carpets, pillows, stuffed animals or ceiling tiles.
. .. Asthma is a condition that can greatly benefit from the self-monitoring of symptoms. All this takes is a peak-flow meter and some graph paper. A peak-flow meter is an inexpensive device that is able to measure a person’s lung function. These peak-flow meter readings can be recorded on a piece of graph paper for later reference.
Ian Lloyd...Continued On Page 6 |
