5 Key Triggers of Asthma
23rd May 2024
There are many triggers of asthma, some of which can be found in the home. In this blog post, we consider 5 key triggers and how you can take measures to reduce the symptoms.
1. Airborne Allergens
Sneezing is a typical reaction to airborne allergens as the body reacts to something in the air. These allergens can include pollen, dust mites, animal fur or feathers. Keeping pets indoors can increase the likelihood of a reaction, and if you have animals in the home make sure you vacuum regularly to remove as much pet dander as possible.
2. Airborne Irritants
Fumes in the home such as cigarette smoke can trigger a reaction from the body including coughing, teary eyes or a runny nose. If there are smokers in the household it would be beneficial to smoke outside to avoid producing harmful pollutants indoors.
3. Indoor Humidity
High levels of humidity and condensation can cause mould or damp patches on surfaces. Mould produces allergens, irritants and sometimes toxic substances. Inhaling or touching mould spores can trigger asthma symptoms such as sneezing, red eyes and skin rash, and can potentially cause full-blown asthma attacks.
4. Open fires
An open fire can make asthma symptoms worse for some sufferers. Burning various fossil fuels can give off fine particles and breathing these in can cause irritation in the body’s airways.
5. Cleaning
Many of today's cleaning products such as polish, detergents, air fresheners or oven cleaners etc contain a wide mix of chemicals which can act as irritants. Try to avoid sprays as these are more likely to trigger symptoms.
Most asthma symptoms are triggered by particles in the air you breathe. It is essential that you maintain a high level of indoor air quality to help reduce the symptoms of asthma.
A BEAM Central Vacuum System in your home can reduce the number of airborne allergens as all dust and dirt particles are completely removed from the point of cleaning to the vacuum power unit, typically located in utility rooms or garages. There is no recirculating of dust like a portable vacuum – a real benefit for asthma and allergy sufferers.
A Mechanical ventilation system provides constant clean fresh air into your home, helping to eliminate some airborne irritants, reducing condensation levels and preventing mould. With an MVHR system from BEAM, you are able to maintain high indoor air quality in an energy efficient way.
Get in touch with one of our experts to discuss how BEAM can improve the quality of air in your home and help reduce the symptoms of asthma.