Spring Cleaning Tips for People with Asthma
If you are one of the 470,000 people in Ireland who suffer with asthma, this is an especially important time of the year. Over the winter months dust, dirt and allergens tend to collect in our homes causing a potentially dangerous build up of asthma triggers in your home.
Clear out/Get rid of old belongings
By donating old belongings to a charity shop or recycling them, you will cut down on dust throughout the house. Store as much as is feasible in closets and drawers so that they will not collect as much dust.
Dust Everything
Dust will have collected during the winter months in corners of rooms, skirting boards or picture rails, in windows, blinds and curtains so it is important to clean them thoroughly. When dusting use a damp cloth and rinse it out thoroughly. Never flick the dust into the air with a dry duster or feather duster.
Vacuum Thoroughly
By using a vacuum cleaner with good suction and a filtered exhaust you will make sure your vacuum cleaner is not filling your home with allergens. If dust or the house dust mite triggers your asthma and/or allergies it is recommended you use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
The filters of vacuum cleaners should be changed in accordance with the instructions. It is important to have the windows open whilst vacuuming, leaving them open for half an hour afterwards. In the bedroom, cover your bed with a clean sheet whilst vacuuming.
Click Here to watch "Asthma Triggers in the Home" Video
Click Here to watch "An Asthma Friendly Home" Video
Change all old filters.
Filters in air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers or vents should all be changed; hence incoming air is cleaned, emitting fresh and breathable into your home.
Moulds
Moulds and fungi grow in walls and windows in damp houses. Mould in houses can be a trigger for people with asthma. Good ventilation is important. Remove mould in bins by washing and disinfecting them. In kitchens and bathrooms clean curtains thoroughly, especially bathroom curtains. If your asthma is triggered by chemical or solvent based cleaning agents the Malones range of natural products may offer a gentler alternative. For more information go to www.malonesofdublin.ie
People with asthma should know what triggers their condition so they can be aware of how to avoid them or what measures to take to avoid them. This with a Self-Management Plan may help you in managing your condition more easily, with the minimum amount of medication.
A Self-Management Plan will include all details of your asthma medication, what factors to be aware of when your asthma is deteriorating, what steps you should take if you have an asthma attack, as well as other emergency information.
For further information contact our asthma nurse on 1850 44 54 64 on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday between 10am-1pm
