- One-third of children aged 18 or younger have been diagnosed with asthma, missing 15 million school days yearly due to symptoms.
- Improve indoor air quality by regularly cleaning and maintaining the home, using an air purifier and vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Prevent dust mites from thriving in the home by regularly dusting, washing bed linens, and using allergen-proof covers.
- Keep the home clean of food residue and seal any cracks to keep cockroaches away.
- Use natural cleaning products, limit air fresheners & insecticides, and dehumidify & ventilate areas to reduce asthma attacks.
As a parent, you want to protect your child from any harm. This also includes keeping them safe from asthma attacks. While asthma can be triggered by various factors such as pollen or dust, it may come as a surprise that your home could also be the root cause. Here’s a look into why your children might have asthma attacks and how to renovate your home to reduce these attacks.
Asthma Among Children
One of the most chronic and pervasive childhood illnesses in the US is asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost one-third of all children aged 18 or younger have been diagnosed with asthma. Additionally, around 15 million school days are missed every year due to asthma symptoms.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
The air inside your home could be contaminated with various pollutants like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and tobacco smoke. These particles can trigger asthma symptoms. It’s essential to clean and maintain your home regularly. Consider investing in an air purifier and vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to help remove pollutants from the air.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny arachnids that feed on dead skin cells. They thrive in warm, humid environments. Make sure to dust regularly, wash bed linens regularly with hot water, and use allergen-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses to prevent dust mites from thriving in your home.
Cockroach Allergens
Cockroaches can produce allergens that trigger asthma attacks. Keep your home clean and free of food residue, and seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation to keep cockroaches away.
Harsh Chemicals
Cleaning products, air fresheners, and insecticides can all contain harsh chemicals that irritate the lungs. Use natural cleaning products and limit air fresheners and insecticides in your home.
High Humidity
High humidity levels can also trigger asthma attacks. Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels in your home below 50%. You can also use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen to reduce humidity.
How Frequent Asthma Attacks Can Affect Your Children’s Home Life
Frequent asthma attacks can change the way your children enjoy their home life. Here are some of the ways it can affect them:
Getting Sick
Asthma can be a serious illness that can lead to severe symptoms and hospital visits if it isn’t managed correctly. This can cause your child to miss school, extracurricular activities, and other important milestones.
Stress
Managing asthma is a lot of work for both you and your child. It can be difficult dealing with the stress of managing the illness daily.
Limited Activities
Certain activities, such as exercising or playing outdoors, might need to be limited due to the risk of an asthma attack. This can be difficult for children who enjoy these activities.
Renovating Your Home
One of the best ways to reduce these asthma attacks is to renovate your home. Here are some great renovation options to reduce the asthma attacks of your children.
Improved Insulation
The air around your home needs to be free of dust and pollen. Make sure to invest in insulation so that the air in your home isn’t contaminated by outside irritants. Additionally, add more windows to your home to provide better ventilation.
Replacing Carpets
Carpets are a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens. Replace carpets with hardwood floors that can be easily cleaned and vacuumed.
Allergen-Proof Rooms
If possible, create allergen-proof rooms where your children can stay when they have an asthma attack or need rest. This can help reduce their exposure to allergens and help them recover faster.
Mold Removal
Mold is a common asthma trigger and needs to be removed from the home immediately. It helps to hire a professional mold removal service as well as replace any rugs or carpets that have been exposed to mold.
Professional Help
Lastly, don’t be afraid to hire professional help. A home remodeling service can help you transform your home into more asthma-friendly and reduce the risk of asthma attacks. They can do so by following the tips above. They can also remodel areas of the house that often have allergens, such as the kitchen and the living room.
Asthma attacks can be brutal on both you and your children, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. By renovating your home, you can create a safer and healthier environment for you and your children.
