How to Avoid Indoor Asthma Triggers For Children
Asthma is a chronic condition where the onset of an attack is characterized by the narrowing of the airways. This results to shortness of breath, often accompanied by coughing and wheezing. The asthma attack is a rapid progression of asthma from its steady state. This occurs when the asthmatic inadvertently inhales airborne irritants. When these come in contact with the lungs, asthma is triggered.
Outdoor triggers include molds, pollen, and smoke. While most families keep their asthmatic child inside the house, the childs condition may not get better because indoor triggers are not eliminated. Indoor triggers pose as much of a risk as outside triggers. Pets, for instance, should be left outdoors or at least outside the childs bedroom.
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.
Low humidity levels decreases growth rate of indoor molds. Damp or wet bathroom tiles are ideal grounds for mold growth. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to fix water leaks. The house should also be kept clean. Food should be kept in closed containers or refrigerators. Trash cans must be kept closed. This attracts less cockroaches ” which is a well-known asthma trigger.
Peak flow meters are little devices that can help measure the amount of air that a person exhales. It generally has three colors: green, yellow, and red. Peak values falling under green indicates good breathing while red indicates an asthma attack. A peak flow meter can be used at home to monitor lung function. At times, it can detect trouble in breathing to signify an upcoming asthma attack. Monitoring with a peak flow meter and being able to see that an attack is coming, even without symptoms, allows one to prepare and take measures to repel the asthma episode.