How to Reduce the Risk of Asthma and Allergy Attacks in Your Home

If you or your children suffer from asthma or allergies, there are some things that you can do in your home to help your family breathe easier. Taking the right precautions can help ward off many of the symptoms of asthma and allergy attacks and drastically improve the air quality in your home. This is especially important as young children are at higher risk of having respiratory issues and reactions to dust and pollen. Here are four things that you can do at home to reduce the risk of asthma and allergy attacks.

Get Allergy-Friendly Home Additions

Some contemporary furniture pieces have been made to repel pollen, dust and other allergens instead of trapping them in their material fibers. Some manufacturers have even started making window treatments that are designed to keep allergens at bay. It’s also advisable to choose wood or linoleum flooring materials over carpeting, which can trap allergens that are often difficult to remove.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Commercially made cleaning products are known to contain toxins and other ingredients that may contribute to asthma and allergy symptoms. By purchasing eco-friendly cleaning products that are made with natural ingredients, you’ll be able to improve your indoor air quality. You can also try making your own cleaner with ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. A homemade cleaner often works great when it’s placed in a spray bottle and sprayed on dirty surfaces.

Repair Your HVAC

Your heating, air conditioning and ventilation system could be contributing to your suffering by circulating the allergens and other particles that cause breathing problems. By having the proper heating and air conditioning system repair work done, your unit can function in a way that’s healthier for you. Having your vents and air ducts cleaned regularly can also improve your indoor air quality and lessen allergy and asthma symptoms.

Take Special Precautions with Pets

Suffering from asthma and allergies shouldn’t have to mean living without pets. One of the best ways to prevent adverse respiratory reactions is by cleaning and brushing any cats or dogs that you have regularly to remove dirt and other particles from hair that may be contributing to your breathing problems. Keeping pets off furniture can also help reduce the frequency of asthma or allergy attacks. If you have a pet that still insists jumping on the couch or other furniture, using furniture covers and cleaning them regularly can help.

Reducing asthma and allergy symptoms can be done if you’re able to identify what triggers them and willing to make some changes around the home. Making the right changes can result in better breathing and improve your overall respiratory health and the health of your children. Another benefit of keeping the air clean is that less germs will be passed around, so your children will overall be healthier.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan