We spend up to 90 % of our time indoors, and indoor allergens and pollutants maybe the cause in triggering your asthma attacks. These triggers can cause asthma symptoms and make asthma worse. It’s essential to identify your triggers and relate them to your symptoms. Try to work with your GP to identify them and develop a plan to reduce their exposure.
Common Triggers
The common triggers in your home are mould, dust mites, and cigarette smoke. But there are other sources in your home. Many cleaning and disinfectant products contain harmful chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, air fresheners emit VOCs to mask odours. These VOCs are released into the air and can lead to allergic reactions and headaches. Scented candles give off odours and particles that can lead to asthma symptoms. Different heating sources (open fires, gas, and electricity) can create indoor air pollutants during cooking. Cooking itself can produce air pollutants from cooking oil and fat.
Recommendations
- Identify your asthma triggers and reduce exposure or eliminate their source.
- Regularly use your preventer medication.
- Ventilate your home during cooking and cleaning.
- Open your windows (check for high pollen and outdoor air pollution levels).
- Use unscented cleaning products with low levels of VOCs.
- Avoid using aerosol cleaners or air fresheners.
