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Asthma Attack Prevention

We are in the midst of allergy season, a particularly difficult time fore those who suffer with asthma. NEWS-Line for Occupational Therapists & COTAs has some tips to help breathe a little easier. This is great information for your use and to share with your clients or family.

Many things trigger asthma attacks. Some triggers, such as pollen, come from vegetation in the natural environment-something we cannot control. However, there are many steps we can take to eliminate triggers in our interior (home) environment. The first step is spotting the trigger, the next step is taking action to get rid of it:

trigger: Secondhand smoke
Action: No butts about it. Don't let anyone smoke in your home and car. Never smoke in the presence of a child or asthmatic.

Trigger: Dust mites
Action: Do the laundry, Wash bedding once a week in hot water. For children - Buy machine-washable stuffed toys (and wash them regularly!), and keep them off beds.

Trigger: Pets
Action: Keep pets out of bedrooms (and make sure doors are kept closed) and away from upholstered furniture, stuffed toys and carpeted areas. When possible, keep them outdoors.

Trigger: Molds
Action: Create a dry environment. Wash and dry mold-contaminated hard surfaces as thoroughly as possible. Replace absorbent materials tainted by mold (carpet, ceiling tiles). Also, vent clothes dryers to the outside, use exhaust fans in high-humidity ares (bathroom, kitchen) and keep drip pans under home appliances (air conditioners, refrigerators).

Trigger: Pests
Action: Take the garbage out! And keep it clean: make sure all food crumbs and liquid spills are swept/mopped up immediately, and wash the dishes right away.