Prevent Allergies and Asthma Attacks at Home

 Prevent Allergies and Asthma Attacks at Home

                    The Basics: Overview
If someone in your family has allergies or asthma, make your home a healthier place by getting rid of the things that can cause allergy symptoms or an asthma attack.

What can cause allergy symptoms or an asthma attack?
Things that can cause allergy symptoms are called allergens. Asthma attacks can be caused by irritants (things that can irritate the lungs) or allergens. Different people will react to different allergens and irritants.

Common causes of allergy symptoms and asthma attacks at home include:

Mold or dampness
Dust mites (tiny bugs that live in beds and carpets)
Pets with fur, including cats and dogs
Cockroaches (roaches and their droppings may cause asthma)
Mice, rats, and other rodents
Secondhand smoke
Wood smoke
Strong fragrances

Take Action!

Follow these steps to make your home a healthier place for people with allergies or asthma.

Find out what causes your allergy symptoms or asthma attacks.
If you or someone in your family has asthma, it’s important to figure out what can trigger (cause) an asthma attack. Asthma triggers can be different for different people. Learn more about asthma triggers.

Ask your doctor about getting an allergy test. This test can help you know what exactly is causing your allergies. Learn more about allergy testsExternal Link: You are leaving healthfinder.gov.

When you know what you are allergic to – or what your asthma triggers are – you can take steps to get rid of or avoid those things in your home.

Keep allergens and irritants out of the bedroom.
Cover your mattresses and pillows in “dust proof” (or "allergen proof") covers.
Wash all your bedding in very hot water (at least 130 °F) once a week. Go to a laundromat if the water in your home doesn't get that hot.
Keep stuffed animals off the bed.
If you have pets that you are allergic to (like cats or dogs), keep them out of the bedroom.
If possible, remove all carpets. It’s easier to keep bare floors clean.
Control moisture to prevent mold.
Keep your home dry to prevent mold. Mold can start to grow in wet or damp places within just 1 or 2 days.

If you have a water leak, clean up the water right away. Fix the leak as soon as possible.
When you take a shower, run the bathroom fan or open the window for at least 20 minutes afterward.
Check the humidity level in your home with a moisture or humidity meter (available at a hardware store).
Use a de-humidifier or air conditioner to keep the humidity level in your home below 60 percent. A humidity level between 30 and 50 percent is best.