If you have not read part one and two of The Air We Breathe you may want to do that to see what we have been talking about.
TRIGGER CONTROLS
Here are some common triggers and some ways to help control them at home:
Tobacco Smoke
Smoke should not be allowed in the home of someone with asthma or allergies. Ask family members and friends to smoke outdoors. Make sure they stay at least 30 feet away from any open doors or windows. Remember that the second hand smoke has a lot of carbon Monoxide that can be harmful as well as the smoke it's self. Suggest that they quit smoking. Your local American Lung Association can help. Ask your Lung Association how you can help a family member or friend quit smoking.
Wood Smoke
Wood smoke is a problem for children and adults with asthma and allergies. Avoid wood stoves and fireplaces.
Pets
Almost all pets can cause allergies, including dogs, cats and especially small animals like birds, hamsters and guinea pigs. All pets should be removed from the home if pets trigger asthma and allergy symptoms. In some cases putting one of our family members outside is not an option (it's not in my house) so make sure that the pet does not sleep or enter the bedroom at any time of a person with allergies.
Pet allergen may stay in the home for months after the pet is gone because it remains in house dust. Allergy and asthma symptoms may take some time to get better. Deep cleaning of the home is the best way to reduce some of the triggers. Cleaning on a more regular basis can also greatly reduce triggers inside the home.
Remember!
If the pet stays in the home, keep it out of the bedroom of anyone with asthma or allergies. Weekly pet baths may help cut down the amount of pet saliva and dander in the home.
Sometimes you hear that certain cats or dogs are "non-allergenic." There really is no such thing as a "non-allergenic" cat or dog, especially if the pet leaves dander and saliva in the home. Goldfish and other tropical fish may be a good substitute.
Cockroaches
Even cockroaches can cause problems, so it's important to get rid of roaches in your home. Small pieces of dead roaches and roach droppings settle in house dust and can end up in the air you breathe.
Like humans, roaches need food and water and a place to live. Help keep your home roach free by storing food in sealable containers and keeping crumbs, dirty dishes and other sources of food waste cleaned up; fixing leaks and wiping up standing water; and cleaning up clutter where roaches find shelter.
If you still have problems and you have to choose a pesticide, be sure to use it safely, and as directed on the label. Baits are less likely than sprays or foggers to harm your lungs.
Indoor Mold
When humidity is high, molds can be a problem in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Make sure these areas have good air circulation and are cleaned often. The basement in particular may need a dehumidifier. If you live in a beach area a dehumidifier can be very useful throughout the home, And remember, the water in the dehumidifier must be emptied and the container cleaned often to prevent forming mildew.
Molds may form on foam pillows when you perspire. To prevent mold, wash the pillow every week, dry thoroughly and make sure to change it every year.
Molds also form in houseplants, so check them often. You may have to keep all plants outdoors.
Strong Odors or Fumes
Perfume, room deodorizers, cleaning chemicals, paint, and talcum powder are examples of triggers that must be avoided or kept to very low levels.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic spiders usually found in house dust. Several thousand mites can be found in a pinch of dust. Mites are one of the major triggers for people with allergies and asthma. They need the most work to remove.
Following these rules can also help get rid of dust mites:
First big tip: If your child has allergy problems, and sleeps with a stuffed animal, try placing the animal in a plastic bag and putting it in the freezer. This will kill all of the dust mites!
•· Put mattresses in allergen-impermeable covers. Tape over the length of the zipper.
•· Put pillows in allergen-permeable covers. Tape over the length of the zipper. Or wash the pillow every week.
•· Wash all bedding every week in water that is at least 130 degrees F. Removing the bedspread at night may help.
•· Don't sleep or lie down on upholstered (stuffed) furniture.
•· Remove carpeting in the bedroom.
•· Clean up surface dust as often as possible. Use a damp mop or damp cloth when you clean. Don't use aerosols or spray cleaners in the bedroom. And don't clean the room when someone with asthma or allergies is present.
•· Window coverings attract dust. Use window shades or curtains made of plastic or other washable material for easy cleaning.
•· Remove stuffed furniture and stuffed animals (unless the animals can be washed), and anything under the bed.
•· Closets need extra care. They should hold only needed clothing. Putting clothes pin a plastic garment bag may help. (Do not use the plastic bag that covers dry cleaning).
•· Dust mites like moisture and high humidity. Cutting down the humidity in your home can cut down the number of mites. A dehumidifier may help.
•· Air cleaning devices, including portable units and central filtration systems may be helpful in reducing some indoor air pollutants when used with effective source control and ventilation. Ask your doctor for advice about air cleaning devices. If you decide to use one, make sure it removes particles efficiently over an extended period of time and does not produce ozone.
This was a long one, sorry about that. See ya on the next addition of The Air We Breathe
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