Keeping a clean and dust-free home is crucial for individuals with asthma, as it helps reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms. But deep cleaning a house with asthma can be hard–even light cleaning of a house with asthma can be hard if the conditions are wrong.

In this blog, we will share 21 practical house cleaning tips for asthma sufferers to help you maintain a clean and asthma-friendly living environment. From choosing the right cleaning products to implementing effective cleaning techniques, these tips will ensure a healthier and more comfortable home for people with asthma.

#1. Opt for Asthma-Friendly Cleaning Products:

Choose cleaning products labeled “asthma-friendly” or “non-toxic.” These products are formulated to minimize respiratory irritants and are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.

#2. Avoid Strong Chemicals:

Harsh chemicals found in some cleaning products can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Opt for natural or environmentally friendly alternatives whenever possible to reduce the amount of potential problems.

#3. Read Labels Carefully:

Before purchasing cleaning products, read the labels to identify any potential triggers for asthma. Look for products that are fragrance-free, since artificial scents can be problematic for individuals with asthma.

#4. Dust Regularly:

Dust accumulation can be a major asthma trigger. Dust surfaces, furniture, and electronics using a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth to capture the dust instead of spreading it in the air.

#5. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter:

Invest in a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters trap small particles, such as dust mites and allergens, ensuring cleaner indoor air.

#6. Use Exhaust Fans:

When cleaning areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, use exhaust fans to vent out humidity and prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

#7. Wash Bedding in Hot Water:

Bedding collects dust mites and allergens over time. Wash your bedding, including pillows and mattress covers, in hot water (130°F or above) to eliminate these triggers.

#8. Remove Mold Promptly:

Mold is a potent asthma trigger, and getting rid of mold also reduces allergens. If you spot any mold growth in your home, take immediate action to remove it. Clean affected areas with a solution of water and bleach or consult a professional if needed.

#9. Reduce Clutter:

Minimize clutter in your home as it can collect dust and impede proper cleaning. Keep surfaces clear and organized to make cleaning easier and reduce asthma triggers.

#10. Clean Air Conditioners Regularly:

Dirty air conditioners can circulate dust and allergens throughout your home. Clean or replace the filters regularly and have the unit professionally serviced to maintain good indoor air quality.

#11. Use Baking Soda as a Natural Cleaner:

Baking soda is a versatile and non-toxic cleaning agent. Use it to scrub surfaces, eliminate odors, and remove stains without triggering asthma symptoms.

#12. Clean in a Well-Ventilated Space:

Open windows and doors while cleaning to ensure proper ventilation. This helps in removing any airborne irritants or fumes from cleaning products that may trigger asthma symptoms.

#13. Wear a Mask and Gloves:

Protect yourself from inhaling dust and cleaning product fumes by wearing a mask and gloves. This helps reduce exposure to potential asthma triggers during cleaning tasks.

#14. Avoid Strong Fragrances:

Air fresheners, scented candles, and other fragranced products can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that worsen asthma symptoms. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives or natural options like essential oils.

#15. Regularly Wash Soft Furnishings:

Wash curtains, rugs, and other soft furnishings regularly to remove dust mites and allergens. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing or seek professional cleaning services if necessary.

#16. Keep Windows and Doors Closed:

To minimize the entry of outdoor allergens, such as pollen, keep windows and doors closed, especially during peak allergy seasons.

#17. Clean Pet Areas Regularly:

If you have pets, clean their bedding and vacuum the areas they frequent to reduce the presence of pet dander, a common asthma trigger.

#18. Avoid Feather Dusters:

Feather dusters can disperse dust into the air rather than capturing it. Opt for microfiber cloths or electrostatic dusters instead.

#19. Clean and Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner:

Regularly clean and maintain your vacuum cleaner to ensure optimal performance. Empty the dust canister or change the bag outside to prevent dust and allergens from being reintroduced into your home.

#20. Establish a Cleaning Routine:

Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. Consistent cleaning helps prevent dust and allergen buildup, reducing the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.

#21. Seek Help if Needed:

If cleaning tasks aggravate your asthma symptoms or if you have severe allergies, consider hiring professional cleaners who specialize in asthma-friendly cleaning methods.

The Bottom Line

By implementing these 21 tips for house cleaning with asthma, you can create a cleaner and healthier home environment. Remember, regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using asthma-friendly products are key to reducing asthma triggers and improving indoor air quality. Take control of your living space and breathe easier with these practical strategies for maintaining an asthma-friendly home.

Find Out Tips for Cleaning Your Home with Asthma

WE ALL DO!

What does “affordable” mean?

It could be what you pay out-of-pocket before you have met your deductable (assuming you have health insurance).

Or,

If you don’t have health insurance, you probably think of affordability in the following ways:

… what it costs to go to the ER (thousands?!!),

… what it costs to see a regular doctor (assuming you can find one that will give you an appointment, around $150)

…  what it costs to go to an urgent care (around $150).

Well, I can do better than that.  I keep my per visit price to nearly half of an urgent care or regular office visit. 

With Asthmaniac, it is all online/on-the-phone, and all about asthma.  

If you are looking for top quality asthma care at an unbeatable price with back-pocket convenience, Asthmaniac is your ‘clinic’!

As with other chronic diseases, affordability is important for Asthma Control

* The cost of asthma control can be a barrier:

* Many costs of asthma care can exceed what those without insurance can afford.  These include:

* The cost of asthma medication.

* The cost of doctor visits

* The cost pulmonary function testing.

I endeavor to keep my consults to you AFFORDABLE.

I am constantly looking for the best way to get you medication that fits your budget. 

The cost of medical care is a big deal.

People have lost their homes due to medical bills.

People in the U.S. routinely postpone medical care because of the cost.

So while I am focused on accurately diagnosing your asthma and prescribing essential medication, I can’t lose sight of the costs to you.

All of my effort, logic, dedication, training and energy are completely undone if you cannot afford a consultation with me in the first place.

My commitment in the design of Asthmaniac is to keep the price you pay for visits with me, fair and reasonable.

I do not control the cost of asthma medicine but will do all I can to find discounted medication for my patients.

Many of my patients do not have health insurance to pay for medical care. 

This means they have to pay cash for their care.  When balancing how to spend their cash, they have to find the best value for their medical care.

That means getting the most for the least.

Even patients with high-deductible health insurance have to pay out-of-pocket until their deductible is met. So they too are interested in the best value.

I am committed to designing a method that asthma patients can actually afford to use.

A method that keeps them breathing deeply, sleeping soundly, and striding through their days with new confidence in managing their asthma.

Asthmaniac is that method.

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Why do we use steroids in asthma?

* Inflammation of the airways is the underlying problem in asthma

* Steroids like Prednisone and Decadron are taken by mouth

* Steroids like betamethasone and fluticasone are inhaled like albuterol.

* Steroids shut down inflammation in asthma

* Lung inflammation in moderate asthma can be controlled but not cured.

The basic problem in asthma lungs is inflammation.

Inflammation means swelling, oozing, and fragility of the lining of breathing tubes.

This inflammation leads to extra mucus production and this mucus, along with swelling in the walls of these tubes, creates a extra resistance to air flow.  

When these breathing tubes are inflamed with swelling and mucus, the effort to move air, especially out of the lungs, can be exhausting.

My goal is to help you keep a lid on this inflammation.  In asthma, there will always be a tendency for it to get out of control.

But, with the right medication and avoidance of triggers, you can stay out of the ER, get restful sleep, and be as active as an Olympic athlete!

Now, when the inflammation is out of control, we have only one choice.

SHUT IT DOWN.

The most potent and fast acting medicine we have for this is corticosteroids.  

We say steroids for short.  

This isn’t the type of steroids injected by weight lifters to make big muscles – those are called anabolic steroids..  

Corticosteroids work inside the walls of breathing tubes to block the inflammation process.

They work, but their action is not immediate.

Prednisone and Dexamethasone are the most common forms used in non-hospitalized asthma patients.

These steroids are taken by mouth, or if your breathing is really bad, they are given intravenously.

Either medicine must be taken for 3-5 days straight for the full effect.

After these medicines shut down the inflammation process in the breathing tubes, we are in a position to launch a new asthma action plan that includes stronger controller medicine in the form of inhaled steroids, also called controllers.

These inhaled corticosteroids have dramatically changed the course of asthma.  

Lives have been saved and many days of disrupted sleep, work, & school have been prevented. 

For more severe asthma sufferers, there are new medications – biologics, that make even more dramatic improvements in severe asthma control.    

For most moderate asthma patients, inhaled corticosteroids will be a cornerstone of their asthma action plan.

Finding the right type of steroid, the frequency that works, and the one that you and your insurance company accept is a really important part of asthma care.

If you are using your albuterol rescue inhaler daily and aren’t using a steroid inhaler, you need one.  

If you are using your albuterol rescue inhaler more than two times per week and you ARE on a steroid inhaler, you need a change that delivers more steroid either per dose or more times per day.

If you are ready to make a change, grab an appointment and lets talk!

#asthmacontrolnow
#telemedicineasthmacare
#backpocketasthmadoc
#asthmaactionplan
#asthmacontroltest
#asthmacontroller
#rescueinhaler
#asthmacovid19
#childrenandasthma
#eprescription
#easthma
#peakexpiratoryflow
#peakflowmeter
#asthmaniac