When a child has asthma, the parents’ number one priority is to ensure that their home is safe to live in for asthmatics and that nothing inside the house can trigger asthma attacks. Here are 7 useful tips to make a home safe for kids with asthma.
Clean the air filters
If your kid has asthma, it is very important to maintain the air quality inside the house. This means that the air conditioner often works overtime and the air filters need to be replaced or cleaned out more frequently. As the air filters clog up, they become less effective and the quality of air takes a hit. So do remember to clean out the air filters when needed.
Forget the carpet and opt for hardwood or tiled flooring
Carpets, especially shag pile, do a wonderful job of trapping dust, dirt, allergens and dust mites. However, that is the exact opposite of what an asthmatic needs. Forget carpet flooring and opt for hardwood flooring or tiles. Sealed hardwood and tiled floors do not trap any dust or allergens, and can be cleaned easily.
Upholstered furniture is a no-no
Just like carpets, upholstered furniture also traps dust and pollen, and is difficult to clean properly. There are numerous other furnishing options that are a much better choice for a home with asthmatics. Leather, vinyl and plastic furniture can be cleaned easily and prevents allergen buildup. If you are looking for something more rustic, you can also opt for wooden furniture.
Have the air ducts cleaned out periodically
Most homeowners have the air ducts cleaned out only when there is too much dust accumulated in the vents and is starting to affect the cooling or heating in the room. However, in a home where kids have asthma, the air ducts have to be cleaned out periodically. Letting dust accumulate in the ducts and vents greatly increases the risk of triggering an asthma attack.
Smoke outside
Modern smoke detectors are quite smart and do not go off when they detect a hint of cigarette smoke. Many people take advantage of this by smoking inside the house, especially during the winter months. However, the smoke can really irritate the lungs of an asthmatic and even the smell that lingers on can trigger attacks. If you have to smoke, do it outside; cracking a window open does not count.
Keep your pet really clean
You child may not be allergic to dogs or cats, but pets can still trigger an asthma attack. Make sure your pets are as clean as possible. You will have to bathe them more frequently, which can be a bit of a challenge, but it will ensure that their fur does not play host to any allergens. Also, it is much better to have your asthmatic child have a dog or a cat as a pet, instead of birds, hamsters or guinea pigs.
Inspect for mold
In most homes, mold is usually one of the most common causes of asthma attacks. While things like dust mites and pollen are easier to deal with, mold can be mighty troublesome. Mold inspections, conducted by professional mold removal experts, can catch any emerging mold infestations early on and prevent a lot of stress.
