Print  |  Bookmark

Current medical thought is that there is no cure for allergy induced asthma.  With that said, new techniques and medications are making it possible to live without fighting with the symptoms associated with such allergies.  One of the best ways to alleviate allergy induced asthma is to make certain lifestyle changes that limit exposure to the known allergy triggers. 

Asthmatics must understand the most common causes of allergies - perennial allergens.  To name a few, dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and feathers (usually from comforters and pillows), are the most common perennial allergens.    

Found all over the world, household dust is comprised of many different allergens including, but not limited to, animal dander from your pets, human skin flakes, mold, bacteria, cockroaches, plant matter, and carpet and upholstery by products.  

Keep in mind that household dust is different than road dust, which is an irritant that is often times comprised of allergic mold spores.  

The real problem with household dust is that dust mites - microscopic insects that feed on shedding human skin - uses it to form a home.  Some of the most conducive environments for dust mites are pillows, mattresses, carpets, upholstery, and cushioned or covered furniture.  Moreover, dust mites, irrespective of which of the 50,000 species is involved, thrive in humid climates such as New York or Florida.  To the contrary, some of the best places to live with asthma are Denver (due to the high altitude) and any western desert state (due to the dry climates found there).  

The best way to prevent allergy induced asthma is to avoid (or at least reduce) exposure to allergens.  The following suggestions will help minimize your allergy symptoms.  

First, because your skin is constantly shedding, you need to concentrate on the area where you spend the most time - your bedroom!  Start by replacing your carpet with tile or hardwood.  Hard, firm surfaces are easier to avoid dust build-up.  However, if removing carpet is cost prohibitive and your carpet is synthetic, you can keep the carpet only if you vacuum it weekly.  As a general rule, carpeting that is less than fifteen years old is synthetic.  Please note that if you elect to keep your carpet, dust mites can be killed by using chemical treatments containing benzyl benzoate.  

Next, dust mites are suffocated by plastic and prevent eggs from hatching.  Use this to your advantage and put plastic covers on your box springs, mattresses, pillows and comforters.  

Third, make sure you wash your bedding every week.  Use hot water to wash; use a hot dryer to dry.  

For the rest of your house (including your bedroom), use allergy air purifiers.  Make sure the air purifier you choose has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.  Additionally, use a dehumidifier which acts to remove the humidity from the air.  

If possible, convince the non-allergic person(s), if any, to vacuum the entire house at least weekly.  Your vacuum, like your air purifier, needs to be equipped with a HEPA filter.  

Take care of your carpeting.  Avoid tracking in dust by taking off your shoes at the front door.  Additionally, keep your carpet dry by not walking on it while wet, such as coming in from your pool or stepping out of the shower. 

Finally, keep all of your flat surfaces in house clean.  This includes the walls, shelves, floors, countertops and Venetian blinds, as this will prevent allergen build-up. 

Avoiding or reducing allergen exposure is the best way to treat allergy induced asthma. 

 ↑ Back to Top