Are you asthmatic? Beware! Asthma patients and those who suffer from allergic rhinitis are more likely to suffer symptoms from breathing indoor air pollutants. Particles from indoor air pollution can make your asthma attacks worse. Short and long-term exposure can result in health problems such as more asthma flare-ups and reduced lung function due to scarring.
That’s why asthmatics like you must follow indoor air quality guidelines for optimal wellness. Check out the top 3 indoor air pollutants that asthma patients should avoid, along with effective indoor air cleaning hacks. Let’s get started.
Top 3 Indoor Air Pollutants
Particles that don’t necessarily irritate an average person’s respiratory system can be deadly for someone with asthma. Although it’s impossible to eradicate air pollutants, you can minimize their impact on your life by being well-informed. You can decide on the correct indoor air quality strategies when you know what to avoid and eliminate. The top three pollutants are:
- Tobacco smoke: Several hours after a cigarette dies, indoor air quality sensors can still detect traces from the air. This is a well-known respiratory tract irritant for asthmatics. It can induce wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Nitrogen dioxide: Indoor combustion appliances such as gas stoves and kerosene space heaters increase NO2 in the air. Unfortunately, the presence of this compound in the atmosphere increases the risk of respiratory infections and induces asthma attacks.
- Household dust: Dust refers to particles such as smoke from your fireplace, outdoor debris tracked into the house with dirty shoes, pet dander, etc. Small particles stay airborne longer, while larger particles settle faster into surfaces from floors to countertops. If these particles are not cleaned, especially those in high-traffic areas, settled particles will become airborne again and irritate an asthma patient’s sensitive air pathways.
Effective IAQ Solutions to Prevent an Asthma Attack
If you’re serious about reducing your asthma attacks, following IAQ standards is imperative. When you try to do so, you can remove irritants in your home that trigger your asthma and feel more at ease breathing cleaner air. Check out the following tips:
Check air quality
Use an indoor air quality monitor to check your indoor air quality index. IAQ products are an ally that helps achieve a good quality of life despite your diseases.
Use a HEPA filter
Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to remove dust mites and animal dander. HEPA filters do an excellent job of suctioning particles from both surface and air. Make period cleaning a habit to keep your environment clean and hygienic. This will go a long way in making you breathe easier.
Aim for good ventilation
Improve air circulation in your home by opening your windows every so often to bring fresh air in. When your IAQ sensor alarms, run an air purifier to clear out particles. Every time you use the kitchen or shower, run the exhaust to keep air circulating. This can help eliminate undesirable particles and chemicals in your home. And most importantly, don’t forget to clean out HVAC filters every two weeks to keep the air clean
Raise indoor plants
It would be good to plant greenery indoors because they give you a fresh supply of oxygen. Furthermore, plants are natural air purifiers that filter impurities from the air you breathe. Having plants also prevents the harmful accumulation of CO2, which comes from animal and human respiration and a by-product of using a gas range or gas boiler.
Final Thoughts
Asthma is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that could result in lung scarring or even death in the worst cases. If you have an asthmatic patient at home, you can prevent flare-ups by eliminating triggers and ensuring indoor air quality is consistently good.
