ASTHMA

Control

Dust Mites

• Use a HEPA air purifier in the asthmatic’s bedroom (ideally each room of your home). The HEPA air purifier will eliminate up to 99% of dust and dust mites from the air. Be sure to check test results on the air purifier prior to purchase as many claim to be HEPA but have sub-standard performance.
• Use only synthetic polyester-fill pillows and comforters (never feather or down). Encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in zippered dust mite-proof covers (available at allergy-supply stores and many department and discount stores). Keep covers clean by vacuuming or wiping them down once a week.
• Wash sheets and blankets a child sleeps on once a week in very hot water (130° Fahrenheit or higher) to kill dust mites, or use dust mite laundry detergent.
• Avoid upholstered furniture, window mini-blinds, and carpeting. Carpets collect dust and harbor dust mites and should be avoided if at all possible, especially in a bedroom of an asthmatic.
• Dust and vacuum weekly. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter to collect and trap dust mites.
• Reduce the number of dust-collecting houseplants, books, knickknacks, and non-washable stuffed animals in your home. Stuffed animals should be washed weekly in dust mite detergent or in 130° Fahrenheit water.
• Avoid humidifiers when possible because moist air promotes dust mite infestation. Humidity in the air should stay below 50%. The amount of humidity in a room can be easily checked with a humidity gauge (hygrometer)

Pollen & Mold

• Use a HEPA air purifier in the asthmatic’s bedroom (ideally each room of your home). The HEPA air purifier will eliminate up to 99% of pollen and mold from the air. Be sure to check test results on the air purifier prior to purchase as many claim to be HEPA but have sub-standard performance.
• Avoid humidifiers, since humidity promotes mold growth. If you must use a humidifier, change the water every day and clean the inside 2–3 times a week to prevent mold growth.
• Ventilate bathrooms, basements, and other dark, moist places that commonly grow mold. Consider keeping a light on in closets and using a dehumidifier in basements to remove air moisture.
• Use air conditioning: it removes excess air moisture, filters out pollens from the outside, and provides air circulation throughout your home. Filters should be changed once a month.
• Avoid wallpaper and carpets in bathrooms, as mold can grow under them.
• Use a weak bleach solution consisting of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water to kill mold in bathrooms and other areas.
• Keep windows and doors shut during pollen season.

Irritants

• Do not smoke (or allow others to smoke) in the house — even when the asthmatic is not present (the smoke gets trapped in the upholstery and carpets).
• Do not burn wood fires in fireplaces or wood stoves.
• Avoid strong odors from paint, perfume, hair spray, disinfectants, chemical cleaners, air fresheners, and glues.
• Take special note of symptoms during Winter holidays as Christmas trees have triggerSome kids develop symptoms or have increased symptoms during the Christmas holidays when exposed to live Christmas trees.
• Use a HEPA air purifier in the asthmatic's bedroom (ideally each room of your home). The HEPA air purifier will eliminate up to 99% of smoke from the air and some air purifiers are effective at eliminating VOCs found in glue, paint and aerosols. Be sure to check test results on the air purifier prior to purchase as many claim to be HEPA but have sub-standard performance. Ozone air purifiers or ionizers are not effective and inhaling the ozone that they produce may be harmful.

Animal Dander

• Use a HEPA air purifier in the asthmatic's bedroom (ideally each room of your home). The HEPA air purifier will eliminate up to 99% of pet dander from the air. Be sure to check test results on the air purifier prior to purchase as many claim to be HEPA but have sub-standard performance. Ozone air purifiers or ionizers are not effective and inhaling the ozone that they produce may be harmful.
• It may help (but not always) to wash the animal at least once a week to remove excess dander and collected pollens.
• Consider keeping the pet outdoors.
• If your child has asthma and you don't own a pet, don't acquire one. Even if not allergic to animals now, kids with asthma can become allergic with continued exposure.
• The use of air filters such as HEPA filters or electrostatic filters alone have not been proven to reduce indoor allergens although they might be helpful when used along with other environmental control measures. If using such filters, the appropriate size should be used to filter the entire room. Ozone air purifiers or ionizers are not effective and inhaling the ozone that they produce may be harmful.

Outdoors

• When mold or pollen counts are high, premedicate as directed by your doctor. After playing outdoors, the asthmatic should bathe and change clothes.
• Drive with the car windows shut and air conditioning on during mold and pollen seasons.
• Asthmatics should not mow the grass or rake leaves.
• In some cases, the doctor may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy) when control measures and medications are not effective. Speak with your doctor about these options