Asthma-friendly home: If you or a loved one has asthma, you know how frightening a flare can feel: tight chest, wheezing, shortness of breath. What many people don’t realise is that the air inside your home can quietly make symptoms worse. Indoor dust, allergens, mould, and even household chemicals can all trigger attacks. However, small changes at home can make breathing much easier. Here are a few tips:
Keep dust under control:
Dust isn’t “just dirt”. It’s a mix of dust mites, pet dander, pollen, fabric fibres, and even insect debris, all of which can irritate sensitive airways. Swap to a vacuum with a HEPA filter so fine particles are trapped rather than blown back into the room. Vacuum carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and curtains at least twice a week. Use a slightly damp or microfiber cloth to capture dust as you wipe.
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Make your bedroom asthma-safe:
You spend 6–8 hours a night in the bedroom, so a “clean-air” setup matters. Use dust-mite–proof encasings on pillows and mattresses, and swap heavy drapes for washable curtains or blinds you can launder regularly. Skip under-bed storage, as it traps dust. Keep windows and fans clean and fix any damp spots quickly.
Be smart about pet dander:
Pets are family, but their dander, saliva, and even dried urine can trigger asthma. Keep animals out of bedrooms and off sofas, and groom regularly. Wash hands after play, launder pet bedding in hot water, and use a HEPA air purifier in shared spaces. If someone at home has asthma and you’re considering a new pet, non-furry options like fish or reptiles are usually safer.
Improve your indoor air:
Indoor air can trap pollutants from cleaning sprays, cooking fumes, candles, and more. If it doesn’t circulate, allergens build up. Run a HEPA air purifier to reduce dust, pollen, and smoke. Ventilate while cooking or cleaning, but close up on high-pollen days. Make your home 100% smoke-free; tobacco and incense smoke are potent asthma triggers.
Clean smart, not harsh:
Strong fragrances and chemicals can irritate the lungs. Choose fragrance-free, non-toxic cleaners. Skip aerosols; use liquids, wipes, or a damp cloth. Simple DIY options like diluted vinegar for glass and surfaces, and baking soda as a gentle scrub work well without heavy fumes.
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An asthma-friendly home is built on small, consistent habits like clean air, gentle products, and good ventilation. With a few practical tweaks, you can breathe easier and reduce flare-ups.
