7 Ways to Asthma-Proof Your Home in Winter

Asthma is a significant health issue in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that over 25 million Americans deal with the disease, nearly 8% of the population. When managing asthma symptoms, it makes sense to partner with a medical specialist in Garland, Texas, that's Refresh Wellness. 

Indoor air quality concerns many asthmatics, particularly when you spend plenty of time indoors, like in the cooler months of winter and even the high summer days when the heat drives you indoors. You may even need to escape pollen and molds. Unfortunately, it can be a four-season battle. 

Fortunately, there's much you can control to asthma-proof your home. We've collected seven points to consider in making your home a trigger-free haven. Remember, though, that the asthma experience varies widely between patients, and don't hesitate to customize your preparations to match the particulars of your condition more closely. 

Damp dusting

Many dry dusting solutions stir up as much dust as they trap. A better approach uses a clean cloth slightly moistened to weigh down dust before it's relaunched into the atmosphere. Dust mites are a common asthma trigger, so their suppression is essential to keeping your home clean. Don't get carried away with the damp cloth, though. Too much moisture can feed molds. 

Manage the humidity

Air that's either too dry or too moist can threaten the asthmatic. A home with forced-air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) works best with humidifiers and dehumidifiers that are part of the HVAC system. In other cases, add room humidifiers when things get dry and portable dehumidifiers to lower the mold risk. 

Smoking

It's not just cigarettes that put particles into the air. A wood-burning fireplace can contribute plenty of trouble when your house is closed. Consider switching to a gas insert after all smokers are redirected outside. Attention to your stove's hood fan can help prevent cooking smoke from circulating through your rooms. 

Consider your chemicals

A fresh-smelling home sometimes comes at a cost for an asthmatic. Scented candles, air fresheners, and even natural potpourris can spread asthma-triggering particles. Cleaning products may present another risk, as can perfumes and colognes. 

Fabrics and floors

Upholstered furniture, drapes, and carpets can all be latent resting places for asthma triggers, including dust mites and pet dander. Thorough vacuuming and occasional washing or drycleaning can help with some of these surfaces. The only solution for wall-to-wall carpet is replacing them with solid floors that are easy to sweep and damp mop. 

Filters

If it has a filter, have a cleaning and replacement plan. This includes the furnace, ventilation fans, vacuums, clothes dryers, and wherever else they may be assisting you in clearing the air. 

Air purification 

Air purifiers are affordable enough now to be a room-by-room solution. Don't forget to stock up on replacement filters. 

You may already have some of these measures in place. Consider expanding your efforts because every asthma attack that's avoided improves your quality of life. 

Stay up-to-date with your asthma management plan by visiting the asthma specialists at Refresh Wellness. You can book a consultation by phone or online.