Creating A Trigger-Free Home For Your Asthmatic Child
Posted on: 6 November 2015
When your child has an asthma attack it's scary. There are numerous things that can trigger a childhood asthma attack, some of which—like tree pollen—you can't control. However, there are several things that you can do to help your child avoid common household triggers. Check out these tips to learn how to turn your home into a trigger-free place for your asthmatic child.
Household and Personal Products
Household and personal products with a strong scent release chemicals into the air. Unfortunately, the fumes from the chemicals are known for triggering asthma attacks. To avoid triggering your child's asthma:
- Don't wear perfume or cologne.
- Purchase unscented soap, hair care products, laundry detergent, and fabric softener.
- Use all-natural or nontoxic household cleaners. You can also use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide in place of surface cleaners with chemicals.
- Open the windows while you clean to allow fresh air into your home.
- If possible, clean your house while your child is at school or in a different room.
- Avoid using scented candles and air fresheners.
Common Household Fumes
Second-hand smoke from cigarettes or cigars isn't the only type of smoke that can trigger an asthma attack. Any type of smoke can affect someone with asthma, including smoke from a stove, outdoor grill, or fireplace. In addition to smoke, there are several fumes that are commonly found in the home that are known to easily trigger asthma attacks. To make your home safer:
- Ensure the vent near your stove pushes smoke outside of your home. If you have a gas stove, you should use a stove vent that runs outside and has a fan while you're cooking.
- Have your furnace cleaned and inspected annually.
- Check the filters on your furnace and AC unit regularly, and replace them as needed.
- Open the flue to the fireplace before you start a fire to ensure all of the smoke blows up the chimney.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are small insect-like creatures that live in items such as upholstered furniture, bedding, and carpet. To limit your child's exposure to dust mites:
- Remove the carpeting from your house, if possible. Otherwise, vacuum on a regular basis.
- Encase your child's mattress, box spring, and pillows in zippered, dust-proof covers.
- Purchase pillows made from synthetic fabric instead of feather, down, or foam pillows.
- Avoid using heavy curtains and other window treatments that collect a lot of dust, such as mini blinds.
- Dust all surfaces in your home on a regular basis.
Raising a child with asthma isn't always easy. However, by taking a few preventative measures to remove common triggers from your house, you can create a safe, healthy environment for your child.
Share