Keepin' stuff clean for better asthma control
One of the things that helps our family control our asthma is cleaning. For those of you who read this regularly, you will know that Hubby and I and all 3 kids have allergies. The 3 kids and I all have asthma.
There are so many things that can make your asthma worse, or "trigger" or cause an asthma attack.The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology has a page on their website about common asthma triggers.
Triggers can be different for everyone, and change over time.
Dust has always been a problem for me. It's so hard to keep things clean and dust free.
We have wood floors, which really helps because you can SEE all the dust and suck it up with the vacuum. Some people hate having wood floors (because you can see dirt, crumbs, etc.) but I LOVE them.
In fact, we live in a historic AKA old house. One of the things I love about my historic house is that is has wood floors. They were covered up with carpet when we bought the house, but Hubby and I tore out the carpet and he refinished the wood floors.
We seem to breathe easier when we have wood floors and they are kept really clean.
Some people sweep wood floors, but it seems like it just stirs up the dust into the air. We have a vacuum that allows us to switch the settings so we can vacuum the wood floors and a few areas rugs.
If you are having a lot of asthma symptoms and can't figure out why, take a look around your house.
Is it the carpet? Mayo Clinic says that hard flooring (wood floors, tile floors, etc) can be better when you have asthma.
There are other things in your home that can cause asthma attacks, but today I talked about dust.
Tune in later for more ideas of things to check for in your home,
My parents live in a farmhouse built in 1900. Most of the floors are wood, with three rooms having area rugs. We go to visit twice a year, and I usually get sick. Sick, as in 2-3 weeks of sinus, asthma, respiratory. (I've been known to visit urgent care two days in a row while there.) Part of the problem may be that a lot of the furnishings and collections (paper, linens, etc) are original to 1900. :( Any tips??
ReplyDeleteThat is frustrating!
DeleteI wonder about other things that can trap dust and allergens at your parent's home.
How old are the couches? Are the couches vacuumed each month with a vacuum attachment?
How old are the mattresses? Are the sheets washed weekly in hot water? Or at least washed before you come?
What about the pillows on the bed? When we travel to visit family, I bring my own pillow - because I know it's not a 10 year old pillow that is left in the guest bedroom.
I also have a hard time when the guest bedroom isn't cleaned before we get there. I can count on having an asthma attack every time.
I have asked Hubby to vacuum the guest bedroom when we get there.
We also take the comforter and throw pillows off the bed (since they just sit there an collect dust since the room is rarely used.)
Do you know what your triggers are? CDC has a link to identify and how to avoid triggers
http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html
For me, dust is a big trigger, so if Hubby can vacuum and remove the comforter, I can breathe a lot easier.
You can also try a standing air cleaner (you can find them on Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.)
Good luck!
Also get window blinds that don't have those folds. It is also much safer for young kids
DeleteAndrea J-, thank you. We have learned to take our own sheets, blankets, and pillows. I think the guest room has the newest mattress in the house (5 yrs), but the couch is 60 years old at least.
DeleteOh no! Can you cover the couch with a sheet and blanket while you are there? I can't imagine how much dust is in that couch!
DeleteOr can you "surprise" your parents with a new couch? Have one delivered?
I'm not sure people without allergies understand how asthma can be triggered by exposure to dust, molds, animals, etc.
You are probably paying quite a bit of money for the urgent care visit.
Would it be possible to pay for a housecleaning service to clean the house before you arrive? It would be a gift to your parents - your mom wouldn't have to clean!
That's a tough situation to be in. I hope you can find a solution!
Hey Nerdy gal - yes, we don't have mini blinds. We use roll up shades so there's no where for the dust to build up. Great minds think alike!
DeleteIts nice to use wood floor for finding dust. In my house i most of the time feels dusty(being an allergic) but found no dust on floor and things.
ReplyDeleteI also carry inhaler and portable nebulizer because sometimes attack can't be controlled without all these !!
Yes, there is a lot that goes into controlling asthma. And figuring out what works for you.
DeleteSounds like you have figured out what you need!
What can you do to minimize the effects of asthma on your family? The Asthma Mom has the ailment, along with her children. She works hard to vacuum clean her home regularly. This removes foreign contaminants from the carpet. When it is disturbed, this dust can fill the air, worsening the effects of your asthma.
ReplyDeleteWood floors are great. I don't have asthma, but I have horrible allergies, especially when it comes to dust. Carpets collect so much dust and I cannot live with them. It's good you take care of your kids and keep the house clean for them. I bet it makes a real difference in their symptoms. There are indoors plants that can help I've heard.
ReplyDeleteHi Rudy, thanks for stopping by. Yes, dust is a problem for allergies and asthma :(
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ReplyDelete