5 Home Tips for Allergies & Asthma | Covenant Allergy and Asthma
Did you know? May Is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. During this time of the year, symptoms can be especially miserable for asthma and allergy sufferers, so it’s an ideal time to talk about these medical conditions with the people around us. Covenant Allergy and Asthma wants to help educate our patients, families and community about some of the best practices this May.
Here are some of the tips that everyone should know about better managing asthma and allergies at home:
Evaluate your home for common allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches and pollen. You want to eliminate all potential triggers as much as possible. If you or someone in your home has asthma, you should also eliminate any exposure to secondhand smoke which tends to trigger symptoms.
Keep your bathroom free of mold and mildew to help prevent asthma flare-ups. That means washing bathmats and towels regularly and keeping your bathroom well-ventilated with a properly functioning fan to help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
Dust mites are tiny bugs that feed on flakes of human skin. We can’t see them, but they attach to textiles like mattresses, pillows, carpet, upholstered furniture and stuffed animals. You’ll need to wash your sheets in water that’s at least 130° F and vacuum floors weekly to minimize dust mites. You can further eliminate dust mites by choosing bedding with an asthma & allergy friendly seal from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America Certification Program.
If possible, it pays off to invest in a very good quality HVAC system for your home to help minimize indoor air pollution which triggers allergies and asthma. Use the best HEPA filters you can buy and change them regularly–usually every 30 days whenever your HVAC system is in heavy use. Keeping your windows and doors sealed to prevent drafts will also help prevent outdoor alleged from entering your home.
When you return home from spending time outdoors, put your clothes in the wash, take a shower and put on clean clothing. This helps get rid of the pollen and irritants that cling to your body and clothes before they can transfer all over your home.
Are you ready for another spring and summer in Chattanooga? Covenant Allergy and Asthma is here to help you enjoy every minute. Visit our website today to learn more about our services and schedule your appointment for relief!