February 4, 2022
Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition of the lungs that affects both children and adults. An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed after a person encounters certain substances or certain conditions, called “triggers.” Common triggers for asthma often include allergens that cause allergy symptoms.
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, allergy-proofing your home and eliminating triggers can go a long way in helping your child manage their asthma symptoms and reducing the risk of having an asthma attack. How can you make your home safe for your child with asthma? First, it helps to understand what an asthma trigger is.
What Is an Asthma Trigger?
An asthma trigger is a substance or irritant that exacerbates asthma symptoms or that can essentially lead to an asthma attack. What triggers asthma for your child may not trigger asthma for someone else.
Some common asthma triggers found at home include:
- Tobacco smoke
- Pollen
- Pollution
- Fur and dander from pets
- Mold
- Dust and mites
- Fragrances
The best way to create an asthma-safe environment for your child is to identify their triggers so that they can be eliminated from the home.
Avoid Using Scented Products
People diagnosed with asthma may be more sensitive to fragrances and may experience an allergic reaction that may lead to an asthma attack when around them. Any scented product, even “natural” products, can irritate the airways and exacerbate asthma symptoms.
As a precaution, consider going through all of the products that you use in your home and switching them to unscented and/or hypoallergenic products, including:
- Cleaning products
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Candles (limit the use of or stop using scented candles)
Eliminate Tobacco Smoke From Your Home
Second-hand smoke can cause serious damage to the lungs and can worsen existing asthma symptoms. If you or someone in your family smokes, consider quitting and don’t let anyone smoke inside of your home.
Control Pests
Pests, especially mice, rats, and roaches, can produce allergens that can trigger an asthma attack. To avoid pests in your home:
- Keep your home clean and dry
- Never leave food laying out
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink or lying around
- Sweep, mop, and vacuum your floors often
- Take your trash out daily
- Pick up your pet’s food and water at night
Clean Up After Your Pets
If you have pets, your child could be allergic to their dander, saliva, urine, or fur. But don’t worry, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to get rid of your pet. You can take extra steps to reduce the risk of your child having an asthma attack, like:
- Bathing your pets frequently (once a week)
- Keeping pets outside of bedrooms and off of furniture
- Using allergy-proof bedding
- Vacuum frequently
If these steps do not help reduce asthma symptoms in your child, ask your doctor about allergy treatments that would allow your family to keep your pet. You can confirm a pet allergy by getting your child tested with their doctor.
Consider Buying an Air Filter
One step you can take to improve the air quality in your home is to purchase a HEPA air purifier for your child’s bedroom, playroom, or your entire house. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This type of filter reduces the number of particles in the air and therefore reduces the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks. Be sure to change or clean the air filter frequently.
Consider Enlisting the Help of an In-Home Nurse
If you feel that you need help managing your child’s asthma symptoms at home, consider hiring an in-home nurse for home visits. In-home nurses can help you and your family manage your child’s asthma symptoms, accurately identify an asthma attack, and understand how to better asthma-proof your home. To learn more about home care services for children with asthma in New York City, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
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