Improve Indoor Air Quality To Prevent Asthma

One of the most common ailments among children today is asthma. Many factors of modern life contribute and exacerbate this condition. These triggers can cause dangerous, sometimes fatal bouts of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. While it is impossible to avoid all of the triggers that may cause this illness one of the best things a parent can do is to improve indoor air quality.

The first thing to do is if you are a smoker to quit. This is one of the most common causes and is easily preventable. If it is not realistic to quit then stop smoking in the home or car. Only smoke outside because second hand smoke has serious negative consequences for children and not just asthma. 

Another common cause of asthma attacks is the presence of dust mites and their feces in the home. These little bugs cause a serious reduction in indoor air quality and so it is important to help minimize their presence. Purchasing dust-proof pillow and mattress covers easily prevents them and frequently washing bedding will also reduce their presence.

By frequently dusting and regularly vacuuming indoor air quality will be greatly improved. The secret is to stay current on it and to not let things get too far.

The next common asthma trigger in the home is pet dander. Many people are at least slightly allergic to dogs and cats and that is why with sensitive children it is best to keep pets outside as much as possible.

On the less cuddly animal front keeping cockroaches and other pests out of the home will also help with indoor air quality. They carry many diseases and allergens on them and are more than just and inconvenient nuisance. However, rather than spraying chemicals or applying pesticides it is better to use traps and baits. These will not contribute to the amount of pollutants in the home. If it is necessary to use aerosol spray try to avoid entering the room for several hours to allow it to ventilate.

Houses often contain hidden mold and mildew in the walls and ventilation. These cause a reaction in many people. Having clean and maintained air conditioning vents and also annual mold inspections will keep these dangerous toxins down. A good proactive step is to have a well-ventilated house. Opening windows when cooking and showering and also repairing any leaky or sweating pipes will reduce the moisture overall and inhibit mold growth. Many commercial air conditioning companies can provide these services and also recommend techniques for reducing moisture and dust.

Finally, while keeping indoor air quality as clean as possible will help prevent asthma attacks it is inevitable that one will occur again. This is why being prepared and having a management plan is so important. A health care provider can make a written plan in case of an attack and children should always carry their rescue inhaler.