Learning that your child has asthma can be a little unsettling, and dealing with a child who constantly has asthma attacks is stressful. However, asthma is quite common in children, and as you know, an attack is generally triggered by some type of allergen. Whether you have a diagnosed child now or are pregnant and taking measures to help prevent the condition, these tips will help you create a healthier asthma-friendly environment.
Don’t Use a Wood-burning Fireplace
Many years ago, most homes were heated with a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Today, we are more educated and know that not only are the toxins in smoke damaging to the environment, they are a leading cause of asthma attacks. Fortunately, thanks to bio ethanol burners and grates (found at sites like EthanolFireplacePros.com), you can transform that wood-burning fireplace into one that is safe for the environment and asthma sufferers.
Destroy Dust Mites
You are probably thinking there is no way you have dust mites because you are a cleaning fanatic, right? Well, sorry to tell you that these microscopic spider relatives can be present in a clean home. They thrive in humidity and feed on shed skin.
Buy dust mite-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. Store stuffed animals in tightly sealed containers and wash them frequently. You probably already vacuum carpets daily, but you should vacuum cloth furniture, as well.
Dealing with Pets
It is a proven fact that children exposed to pets as a baby rarely develop allergies toward them. The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health states that exposure to furry pets from birth influences the child’s immune development. So, if you are trying to decide whether to get a pet before your baby is born or wait until they are older, you are better to get one before (you can always adopt another one later, too).
All that being said, keep in mind that pets can bring outdoor allergens inside. For example, a dog running through the milkweed at the park will bring that pollen indoors. Get in the habit of brushing daily and wet a paper towel or wash cloth and wipe them down when they come inside.
Strong Odors
Air fresheners, cleaners, perfume, etc., can trigger asthma attacks. Use fragrance-free products. If you want to use a scented product opt for one that is natural. You can always soak orange, lime, or lemon peels in a solution of vinegar and water for a fresh-smelling, citrus cleaner.
Close the Window
It is a beautiful summer day with a lovely breeze. You turn off the air conditioning and open the windows, and absolutely love the fresh air blowing through. However, if your child is allergic to pollen you could be making a trip to the emergency room later. Late spring until mid-summer, pollen levels are the highest, so windows should be kept shut, if possible. By late summer or early fall you should be able to enjoy that breeze.
Use a Dehumidifier
Mold can trigger asthma attacks. Unfortunately, you don’t always see it. Mold grows in damp or wet areas, feeding on paper, wood, wallpaper paste, etc. Keeping the humidity level below 50 percent in the home will help prevent mold from growing.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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My nephew had really bad asthmas when he was little, it was really bad, she drove him 6hrs away to a healer (one that’s been blessed by God with healing powers) I can honestly say that he was healed from that day forward, no more emergency room visits or hospital stays,
My mother has asthma and it is triggered very easily by scents. It is amazing to me in this day and age how many women still wear such strong perfume. Perfume is fine if you can wear it lightly. It’s the ones that smell liked the bathed in it that kills me and starts an attack in my mom. Thanks for sharing these tips!
My daughter would sometimes get asthma attacks when she was little. They were usually triggered by allergies so I am familiar with taking measures to curb allergens.
My children don’t have asthma but my youngest has severe allergies, which results in painful eczema. As a result, we’ve really started attacking allergens at home. It’s too soon to say whether it will help, but fingers crossed. I hate to see my baby so uncomfortable.