Q: I have asthma and struggle with my symptoms, despite using inhalers. What else can I do to control my symptoms?
A: Most people with asthma have environmental triggers that can set off their symptoms. If you know what those triggers are, the best thing you can do to improve your asthma is to avoid them. If your triggers are unknown, there are a few household modifications that may help alleviate your symptoms.
The first space to modify is your bedroom, where you spend most of your time. It is important to make that space as allergen-free as possible. It is essential to keep the bedroom clean to prevent dust and mold accumulation. Avoid using down-filled pillows and comforters, and clean your bed sheets and pillowcases every one to two weeks with hot water. You also can use hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillowcases to create a barrier against dust mites.
Additionally, pets can be huge triggers for asthma attacks. If yours is truly a trigger for your asthma, you may need to seriously consider finding a new home for your pet. Even if you don’t feel your pet causes your asthma symptoms, keeping your pet out of your bedroom will improve the room’s cleanliness and remove potential allergens. Especially when you have a pet in the house, make sure you vacuum and mop floors frequently, and wash any fabrics such as curtains and blankets often.
Finally, tobacco is a huge cause of asthma attacks. If you smoke, quitting will improve the frequency of your symptoms. Secondhand smoke also should be avoided.