10 ways to reduce allergy and asthma flare-ups in your home
These small steps can make a big impact
If you or your kids suffer from allergies, you are not alone! Some 4.5 million Australians suffer from the annoying and often debilitating symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and itchy or watery eyes.
There are many ways you can ease the symptoms from choosing the right type of carpet or flooring to keeping mould at bay, but first: is it allergies or asthma?
Is it allergies? Allergies – including hayfever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis – occur when the body reacts to something in the environment and releases histamine as an immune response.
Is it asthma? Asthma can be tricky to diagnose in preschool kids, and symptoms include coughing and wheezing may be diagnosed as a viral-induced wheeze. Difficulty breathing, chest pain or tightness, and a child’s behaviour, as well as having asthma or allergies in the family increase the chance of an earlier diagnosis. Having asthma or allergies in your family increases a child’s chance of having them.
If you have allergies in your family, low-shedding carpets can reduce the risks for your little rug rat.
Outdoor triggers include grass pollens carried by the wind, and tree pollens carried by birds and bees; while indoors, dust mites in carpets, mould spores, pet fur, feathers and dander, and cockroaches could be to blame. Seeing a GP is always the best option but there are numerous things you can do at to reduce the likelihood of allergies and asthma flare-ups in your house.
As a parent you can pay attention to pollen count on weather apps, always take allergy and asthma medication with you and keep spares where necessary. For preschoolers and primary school kids (and older, depending on the severity of the symptoms), parents can download and fill out an Asthma Action Plan, which will help carers and educators know to manage a flare-up in the same way that it’s managed at home.
Low-shedding rugs don’t add to the dust and fibres in the air.
10 ways to reduce allergies and asthma flare-ups in your home
1.Opt for hard flooring or low-shedding carpets. Carpets are a magnet for dust and allergy-causing substances (allergens) and may also shed, adding to the dust in the air. Carpeting in the bedroom is the worst offender, as it’s breathed in all through the night. Hard flooring is much easier to keep hygienically clean. Low-shedding carpets and flat-woven rugs are also alternatives to consider.
2. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help reduce likelihood of mould and may be particularly beneficial in the sufferer’s bedroom. Make sure the dryer vents are kept clean and ensure AC is regularly serviced.
3. Vacuum, sweep and dust regularly. Dust can take up to two hours to settle, so aim to do these chores when the most allergic person isn’t at home.
4. Make bedrooms a pet-free zone.
5. Use protective covers on bedroom pillows and mattresses to make night-times easier.
Replacing carpets with hard flooring or low/non-shedding carpets or rugs can make a big difference.
6. Open windows or an exhaust fan reduce humidity in bathrooms, and keeping the garbage bin, fridge drip trays and door seals clean will prevent mould from building up.
7. Control cockroaches by maintaining a clean kitchen – wash up dirty plates, clean under units and appliance and stay on top of your garbage.
8. Clean up spills or leaks on rugs or carpets immediately, otherwise mould will quickly develop.
9. If mowing the grass wear a dust mask and keep kids indoors with the windows closed, if possible.
10. Keep the area around your house clear of dead leaves and cut back or remove thick shrubs where possible.
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