How to Eliminate Common Asthma Triggers In The Home
Posted By: ethernum; Category: Health; November 3, 2008
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It is estimated that 6.1 million children under 18 years of age currently have asthma: Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15 and it is the leading cause of chronic illness among children. Here are some of the most common asthma triggers found indoors, with tips on how to reduce or eliminate them from your home.
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Tobacco smoke: Do not smoke inside your home, or allow others to do so. Even the smell of tobacco on clothing can trigger an asthma episode. Second hand smoke can cause serious harm to children. An estimated 200,000 to one million asthmatic children have their condition worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke. Animal dander: All breeds of cats and dogs, regardless of hair length, shed dander that can trigger allergies and asthma. Keeping pets with fur or feathers out of the house is the best step. The next best step is keeping them out of bedrooms. Washing the pet weekly can help, if you are committed to keeping your cat or dog.
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Paint fumes and other odors: Selecting paint and other finished with reduced or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can lower the amount of chemical emissions introduced into your home. Strong odors from perfumes, room deodorizers, cleaning chemicals and talcum powder can also be triggers. Dust mites: keep the relative humidity levels in your home at 50% or below to inhibit the growth of dust mites. Wash bed linens, clothes, and stuffed toys weekly in hot (130-140F) water. Use pillow and mattress covers. Vaccum when a person with asthma is not home.<a href="http://i.ehow.com/images/Contribute2.jpg&quot;&gt;http://i.ehow.com/images/Contribute2.jpg&lt;/a&gt;
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Cockroaches: Cover all food in kitchens. Limit the spread of food around the house. Keep food out of bedrooms. "Extermination" of cockroaches does not solve the problem if how they are getting in is not resolved as well.
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Molds: mold cannot grow without moisture. Find the moisture source the mold is using to grow such as a leaky roof pipe or window, and fix it. Carefully clean or remove materials with mold. Houseplants can be a source of mold. Pollens: Have your child stay indoors when the pollen count is high. Use air conditioning, if possible. Keep windows closed during seasons of high pollen counts.
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Asthbma can be very serious and even life threatening if not properly managed. However, with proper management, people with asthma can lead normal, active lives. Good asthma management includes an asthma care plan with a health care provider, avoidance of triggers, and proper use of medications and awareness of asthma symptoms. In the case of a serious asthma episode, emergency care may be required.
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