Household triggers & asthma
People with asthma need to be more aware of what triggers their asthma within the home, including pets, dust and dust mites, mould, smoke, and cleaning products.
In winter, people spend up to 90% of their days inside on average. Research has shown that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. For people with asthma, indoor air has a material impact on health and quality of life.
People with asthma should be aware of what could trigger their asthma within the home. Triggers may include the family pet, dust and dust mites, mould, smoke, and cleaning products.
Below are some tips on some common household triggers of asthma:
House dust mites
House dust mites are very small creatures which survive by eating the dead skin shed by humans. They can be found in every home, regardless of cleanliness and it’s impossible to get rid of them completely. House dust mites live in carpets and furniture, especially beds. For some people, exposure to house dust mites can cause an allergic response in their airways.
Signs of dust mite allergy include wheezing when you’re vacuuming, dust, or enter a dusty room or house, and asthma symptoms either at night or first thing in the morning.
What to do if you think you might be allergic to house dust mites:
- Use complete barrier covering systems on your mattress, duvet and pillow.
- Remove all carpets and replace with hard flooring if possible.
- Vacuum all areas frequently: It is advisable to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and which has good suction. The HEPA filter makes the vacuum more effective at picking up house dust mites and don’t scatter dust.
- Surfaces should be damp dusted or cleaned with an attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
- Keep soft toys to a minimum and wash at 60 degrees on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
- Hot wash sheets, duvet and pillowcases at 60 degrees once per week.
Moulds and fungal pores
Moulds grow in damp areas and release tiny seeds or spores into the air. These spores may trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Mould spores can be found in any damp place from kitchens and bathrooms to piles of damp clothes or leaves in the garden.
What to do if you think mould might be a trigger for your asthma:
- Make sure your home is well ventilated
- Remove mould or mildew from walls, shower curtains etc regularly
- Air clothes and wardrobes regularly
- Avoid contact with spores from rotting vegetation (e.g. compost and leaf mould)
- Be aware that mowing the lawn may disturb pollen and mould spores
- Investigate thoroughly before installing any air conditioning systems as not all types may be suitable for people with asthma
- Make sure you have a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This type of filter is effective against the tiny pollen and fungal spores. Vacuums with HEPA filters are available across a selection of brands and price ranges
