What Triggers an Asthma Attack?

Indoor asthma triggers are the contaminants that can set off asthmatic reactions in people who have asthma or breathing problems. According to information from The American Lung Association, it is estimated that 24.6 million Americans have asthma. Typical asthma triggers found in the home relate to dust mites, mold, pet dander, tobacco smoke and combustion appliances. There are many ways to help reduce exposure to these triggers and the first step is the elimination of pollutants if possible.

Dust & Dander

Dust mites are found in mattresses, pillows, bed covers, carpets, upholstered furniture, clothes and fabric.

Covering mattresses with impermeable mattress and pillowcase covers, routinely washing bedding once a week in hot water and maintaining humidity levels of 30% to 50% can minimize dust mites. Also help control dust by frequently mopping and dusting with damp mops or cloths.

If you have carpeting or upholstered furniture, we recommend vacuuming with a specialty vacuum cleaner. 

Use natural household cleaners instead of common, off-the-shelf cleaners.

If you must have a pet, try to keep it out of the bedroom and off your furniture and bathe your pet as often as your vet suggests.

Appliances & Fireplaces

Don't ever use an unvented appliance such as a portable (oil, kerosene or gas) heaters or unvented fireplaces indoors. They not only produce asthma triggers, but can also generate dangerous carbon monoxide levels.

If you have a gas oven in your kitchen, use a ventilator that is vented to the outdoors when in use. If that isn't possible, at least open windows while you're cooking or baking.

Never use a gas oven for space heating.

Our “no-brainer” recommendation is no smoking in the house.

Ongoing air filtration and air purification of the indoor air, in addition to the above recommendations, can go a long way in reducing most pesky indoor asthma triggers. Air sanitizers and air purifiers from Guardian Technologies™ help clean the air of impurities that are problematic for asthma.