Home Air Treatment for Asthma
Asthma is a disease of the airways. Asthmatics sufferers have sensitive, inflamed airways that swell even further when breathing in certain particles. Depending on how acute the disease is in a given individual, the person might wheeze, cough and find it hard to breathe or stop breathing altogether. Because asthmatics are so sensitive to particles and gases in the air, it is vital to treat air in your home to lessen the risks of asthma attacks.
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Monitoring Asthma Symptoms
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Asthmatics should keep a diary of their attacks to become familiar with what types of particles affect their asthma most. Time of day is an important factor. At certain times of day, the atmosphere is heavier, creating more opportunities for attacks from denser air mass.
Fresh Air
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Although there are many allergens in the outside air, air conditioning and heating units do not bring in fresh air. If air inside the house is not properly ventilated, it can become polluted and stagnant. Open windows to let in fresh air at those times during the day that are least irritating to the asthmatic.
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Filters
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Use air conditioning and heating filters to reduce allergens in the air. HEPA or High-Efficiency Particulate Arresting filters catch most of the allergens because these filters are so tightly packed. They let only gas and very minute particles through. Choosing a secondary filter made of activated charcoal catches the gases and minute particles that get past the HEPA filter. Purchase HEPA and charcoal filters at your local home improvement store.
Air Cleaners
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Add an air cleaner or purifier to clean up the allergens that still manage to get in. These allergens can include pet dander, mold spores and dust mites. Choose an air cleaner that is highly effective at particle removal while also providing a high air-circulation rate. Choosing an air cleaner with only one of these functions will not effectively clean the air, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
Smoke Free
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Keep your home smoke-free. Smoke outside or consider adding a screened-in room, separate from the main house, for smoking.
Vacuum Cleaners
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Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters. Regular vacuum cleaners can emit tiny dust particles into the air. Choose a vacuum cleaner with strong suction and one that is completely sealed, ensuring the dust particles cannot escape. Keep the home as clean as possible.
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