What can trigger asthmatic episodes?
Asthmatic episodes can be devastating for the people who experience them, especially those caused by an allergic reaction to a substance in their indoor environment. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America*, the asthmatic allergic reaction creates an inflammatory process that results in constriction and inflammation of the airways of the affected individual’s lungs. It is important to know what can trigger an asthmatic episode and how to limit your exposure to these elements.
Four Common Indoor Triggers for Asthmatic Episodes
1. Cockroaches
Cockroaches, their saliva, and droppings are common triggers for asthmatic episodes. Any house can have a limited number of cockroaches living inside it, regardless of how clean it is.
To ensure that you eliminate any roach populations that start in your home, give your home a thorough cleaning twice a year. This includes behind the refrigerator and stove, in basement corners, and under all furniture. This can destroy any roach colonies and the eggs of any other insects that have invaded your home.
2. Pet Dander
Pet dander is flakes of dead skin shed from a pet, usually a cat or dog. Some people are allergic to all pet dander, while others react only to dander from certain types of animals.
To limit your exposure to pet dander, do not allow pets to sit or lie on furniture, dust your home regularly, and install a high-quality air filter to remove dander particles from your indoor air pets.
3. Dust mites
Breathing dust mite feces or dead dust mite particles can trigger allergic asthmatic episodes. Dust mites are tiny creatures that live inside your home and eat your dead skin cells. They make their home in mattresses, pillows, rugs, and fabric covered items.
While it is impossible to make a home completely dust free, using mattress covers, frequent washing of bedding and pillows, and dusting the home regularly will reduce dust buildup in the home.
4. Mold
High or excessive humidity in the home can lead to mold growth, another common trigger for asthmatic episodes. Mold can grow anywhere in the house, sometimes hiding behind walls, under carpeting, or on upholstered furniture.
Because mold spores are easily airborne, special precautions must be taken when attempting to clean up mold yourself. A chemical agent, such as borate, that kills mold and spores should be used before cleaning up the residue to prevent the spores from spreading throughout the home. Borax laundry detergent is a good cleaning agent to use. It contains borate and can be found in the laundry area of most spore cleaners. Of course, it is best to consult a professional for significant mold discoveries.
be proactive
Taking steps to reduce the presence of these common triggers for asthmatic episodes can go a long way toward helping to keep symptoms associated with indoor air quality at bay.
*Source: Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America – http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=16&cont=413
