Sunday 27 September 2009

How to Avoid Indoor Asthma Triggers

By Jamie Sue Tan

Asthma is a long-lasting disease wherein the airways tend to become reversibly narrowed and results to shortness of breath. Coughing and wheezing often accompany the main symptom. An asthma attack is an immediate progression of asthma from a steady state to acute. This occurs when the asthmatic is exposed to triggers. Triggers are usually airborne irritants that an asthmatic may inadvertently inhale.

The airborne irritants can be anything from dust to smoke. Strong odors may also irritate the nose, cause mucus excretion, which may end up as an asthma attack. The concerned parents often keep their asthmatic children from the outside dangers. That is a good idea only if the indoor triggers are also eliminated. While the child may be more exposed outside, there is always a risk indoors if theyre not careful.

Cigarette smoke has always been associated with asthma and is one of the most common asthma triggers. Secondhand smoke not only causes asthma attacks but slowly destroys the childs lungs at an early age. The asthmatic child should not be exposed to cigarette smoke. Smoking should be done outside the home. No one should smoke inside the house even if the asthmatic child is not there. Third hand smoke or smoke residue in the clothes, hair, or furniture surfaces can trigger asthma.

Molds are another asthma trigger. They are often found growing in bathroom tiles. If there are water leaks, fix them to prevent mold growth. Also, low humidity levels decrease the growth rate of indoor molds. Besides molds, cockroaches are asthma triggers as well. Note that they are attracted to food, so food should be kept in closed containers or refrigerators. Trash cans should be kept closed, and the house, clean.

Peak flow meters are handy devices that can help measure the amount of air that a person breathes out. Its readings are color coded with green, yellow, and red. Peak values falling under the green indicates good breathing, while red signifies an asthma attack. A peak flow may also help you monitor lung function. Regular use of it may warn you of upcoming asthma attacks as it can detect airway obstruction even in the absence of symptoms.

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