While most people believe that asthma is genetic, it is often associated with allergens and triggers that could aggravate it. That’s why it’s crucial to know what these allergens are in order to keep your kids and family safe. Prioritizing children’s health goes hand in hand with keeping the home free of allergens.
Air pollution, weather and poor indoor air quality
Vehicle exhaust and diesel fumes are obvious asthma triggers. However, indoor air quality can also aggravate asthma in kids especially if they mostly stay at home. Dust particles and other airborne matter can increase the likelihood of an attack.
Humidity and molds can also trigger attacks. Aside from regularly cleaning the house, it’s best to use a dehumidifier as a preventive measure.
Weather conditions can also affect asthma, especially if there’s extreme temperatures and pollen involved. Preparation is key. Check pollen count and air quality before you go outside to ensure that your kids are safe. Part of managing asthma is to regularly check air quality so having a tool, such as uHoo, to help you do this is a huge burden off your back.
Smoke
Smoke is a common air pollutant and is one of the more prolific reasons for the deterioration of air quality. It’s especially problematic inside homes and buildings where indoor air quality suffers from smoke trapped in rooms that aren’t well-ventilated.
Tobacco is the most common source of smoke in the house and public places, but other possible asthma triggers can come from smoke from the fireplace, campfire or burned plastic. Of course, the best thing you can do is to keep your kids away from smoke. However, this isn’t always possible. So, an alternative is to use air filter or air purifier. If you or anyone in the house smokes, tell them to change clothes and wash hands before playing with the kids.
Smoke also comes from other activities like cooking, so it makes keeping the kitchen well-ventilated even more important. The garage is also a common source of smoke in many homes, if the garage isn’t partitioned properly from the main house.
Food sensitivities or allergies
Asthma causes inflammation in the airways where there could be mucus build up. Eating certain types of food can increase mucus production that could aggravate it. Examples are meat, milk, ice cream and other dairy products.
If your kids are sensitive or allergic to particular foods like eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, gluten, and seafood, it is likely that these can also trigger asthma attacks. As parents, read the nutrition label and be mindful of the ingredients when eating out with your kids. If you’re unsure about the food you’re served with, you can always ask the wait staff.
Strong odors and talc
Products like perfumes and hair sprays can also aggravate asthma. The same goes with air fresheners, gas, cleaning products, body spray, deodorants and other personal care products that have strong scents. Whenever possible, choose products that are fragrance -free. Also, avoid using products with talcum powder. According to Consumer.org, talcum powder or talc has been linked to cause asthma in kids.
Pets and pests
As much as we love having pets at home, we have to keep them away from kids who have asthma. Feathers and fur are factors that can aggravate asthma in kids. Similarly, dust mites, rodents, and roaches can also trigger asthma. Maintain a clean and well-ventilated home to keep your children asthma-free. Regularly vacuum and change carpets, beddings, curtains, and furniture and use allergen-proof covers when possible.
As parents, we already have a lot of things in our mind. Paying attention to so many allergens and triggers can add more to our plate. Luckily, products such as uHoo exists to tell us the quality of air we breathe. With this information, we would be better able to understand what causes the asthma triggers to appear and when we need to clear them for our own and our family’s safety and provide us with the peace of mind we need. With a little care and diligence your children’s health is assured.
