Summer is the prime season for pollen. As these allergens stir up in the air, people’s allergy and asthma symptoms often reach a peak. Managing these symptoms can be quite difficult for people with asthma and may cause them to seek shelter within the comfort of their homes. Staying inside does reduce exposure to outdoor allergens, but various items within your house can still trigger asthma symptoms. In fact, several common home features can breed dust, dirt, and mites, all of which can worsen asthma symptoms. To reduce asthma symptoms, utilize this guide for three home renovation tips for people with asthma.
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Replace old upholstery
Dust and mites thrive in plush furniture and upholstery. These items attract and hold onto dead skin, dirt, and other allergens, all of which can trigger asthma symptoms. As such, one of the best home renovation tips for people with asthma is to remove, replace, or reupholster old furniture items. This includes larger pieces of furniture such as couches and mattresses as well as smaller items such as blankets and throw pillows. Start by tackling the larger items first. You can clean or reupholster some items, but you may have to remove others from your home entirely. Your mattress is one such item you should probably do away with altogether.
Mattresses collect dirt, dust, and dead skin, which can worsen asthma symptoms and make it harder for you to breathe while you sleep. Be sure to follow proper disposal protocols when removing mattresses from your home. If you can’t bear to part with other furniture items, be sure to at least give them a thorough cleaning, and consider replacing their upholstery if possible.
Remove wall-to-wall carpeting
Wall-to-wall carpeting certainly does make a room feel more comfortable, but it can also aggravate asthma symptoms. Like furniture, plush carpeting holds onto dirt and dust, which is then stirred up every time someone walks across the carpet. Replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile flooring is therefore a much better option for people with asthma. These types of flooring are easier to clean on a regular basis, leading to less buildup of dust and dirt. If you’d still like to incorporate elements of comfort, consider placing a few rugs throughout the space. Cleaning small rugs is much easier than cleaning carpets, and you can do it on a more regular basis.
Service your HVAC system
Clean air is a must for people who suffer from asthma. Therefore, it’s important that you service your HVAC system on a regular basis. A licensed technician should service your HVAC system at least once a year. Depending on the severity of your asthma symptoms, however, you may benefit from more frequent cleanings. It’s also important that you clean your home’s air filters on a regular basis. You can easily do this on your own—it requires minimal effort. This may seem like a small change, but it can have a large impact on the severity of your asthma symptoms.
