You are here: Home / Archives for asthma

Asthma is a Life Threatening Disease

By Leave a Comment

With a Significantly Greener Planet on the Horizon, People with Asthma Will Benefit

Asthma attacks are scary life threatening events and over 6,000 people die every year due to Asthma related events; eleven die every day. Although Asthma has common features in all people with asthma, there is an individual component that is unique to the person with the disease. Asthma and humidity can be deadly to some people while another person may tolerate humidity but instead, cannot tolerate a cold and dry environment.

Anyone with asthma or who thinks they might have a respiratory problem should seek a medical professional and if you take asthma medication do not stop your medication. With that in mind, here are a few helpful green-friendly tips for helping someone with asthma live healthier quality lives.

Here are just a few natural and cost-effective tips:

1. Turmeric is invaluable to most people with Asthma. Just a teaspoon of turmeric powder given with a full glass of milk, two or three times every day can be a tremendous relief for some people.

2. Eat wholesome organic fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day, as these foods are vital for healthy lung function.

3. Keep your home clean of dust by using a moist re-useable towel. It is believed by some experts that if we all made even the smallest effort to reducing our household pollutants, more than 40% of children would be spared asthma.

Whatever your individual response to asthma may be, it is vital to take care of your body every day whether or not your symptoms are active. While asthma and humidity can often be tolerated, some people chose to move to an entirely new environment that has the lowest pollen levels coupled with a good climate, such as Southern California.

Filed Under: Asthma and Allergies Tagged With: ,

Asthma & Allergies – Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers!

By Leave a Comment

Asthma & Allergy

Asthma is a serious lung disease, during an attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult to breathe. About 17 million Americans have Asthma and it is the leading cause of long-term illness in children. In addition to consulting a doctor, you can make a difference by reducing allergens and irritants that are common in homes. The following is a list of some of the most common asthma triggers and suggestions to eliminate them from your home.

Secondhand smoke
Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and the smoke breathed out by a smoker.

  • Choose not to smoke in your home or car and do not allow others to do so either.

    • Dust mites
    Dust mites are too small to be seen but are found in every home. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.

    • Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
    • Choose washable stuffed toys, wash them often in hot water, and dry thoroughly. Keep stuffed toys off beds.
    • Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers.

    Pets
    Your pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.

    • Consider keeping pets outdoors or even finding a new home for your pets, if necessary.
    • Keep pets out of the bedroom and other sleeping areas at all times, and keep the door closed.
    • Keep pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys.

    Molds
    Molds grow on damp materials. The key to mold control is moisture control. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of excess water or moisture. Lowering the moisture also helps reduce other triggers, such as dust mites and cockroaches.

    • Wash mold off hard surfaces and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, with mold may need to be replaced.
    • Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
    • Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator, and dehumidifier clean and dry.
    • Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher.
    • Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
    • Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Humidity levels can be measured by hygrometers which are available at local hardware stores.

    Pests
    Droppings or body parts of pests such as cockroaches or rodents can be asthma triggers.

    • Do not leave food or garbage out.
    • Store food in airtight containers.
    • Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
    • Try using poison baits, boric acid (for cockroaches), or traps first before using pesticidal sprays.

    If sprays are used:

    • Limit the spray to infested area.
    • Carefully follow instructions on the label.
    • Make sure there is plenty of fresh air when you spray, and keep the person with asthma out of the room.
    Filed Under: Asthma and Allergies Tagged With: , , , , ,
    Newer Posts »