Asthma: an illness that can last a lifetime

Triggers asthmatics must watch out for

Household dust mites: Dust mites are the most frequently observed allergen in asthma sufferers. Mites are organisms too small to see with the naked eye; they live in mattresses, pillows, carpeting and rugs, furry toys and other textile fibers. They seek out humid and warm living environments, and feed off of dead skin cells. Their stools dry into a fine dust and cause allergies in humans. Symptoms due to mites increase in the spring and autumn and usually cause complaints in the morning.

In order to protect against mite-caused inflammations, the number of rugs, curtains and furniture featuring thick fabrics, furry toys and items that collect dust, such as books, should be reduced as much as possible, particularly in the asthma sufferer’s bedroom. Leather or imitation leather should be chosen in home furnishings. Mattresses, blankets and pillows should be made of synthetic materials as opposed to cotton, wool or feathers. Sheets and comforters should be washed weekly at 60 degrees Celsius or higher. Special mattress covers that are not permeable to mites can also be bought and must be wiped down with a wet cloth once every two weeks. Curtains, rugs and clothing should also be washed at least once weekly at 60 degrees or higher. Rugs should be cleaned with a strong vacuum cleaner at least once a week.

Pollen: Pollen can lead to seasonal irritation, causing itching and running of the nose, inflammation of the throat, sneezing and watery, red eyes. Tree pollens cause problems particularly between the months of February and May.

During pollen season, the windows in homes and automobiles should be kept shut, and the sufferer should avoid going out as much as possible, wearing a mask if they are able. Laundry should be dried indoors to avoid pollen settling onto articles of clothing that will then irritate the wearer.

Cat/dog allergens: The allergens found in dog and cat dander, fur, saliva, urine and stool can easily be spread throughout the home. Cats are more likely to spark allergic reactions than dogs. Even three months after a cat leaves a house, its allergens continue to be effective. The most effective way to avoid irritation from a dog or cat allergy is to keep such animals away from the home and stay away from places where they are kept.

Cockroach allergies: Cockroaches are found especially in kitchens and live in places where food crumbs and leftovers are plentiful. The only solution to a cockroach allergy is to use poison to get rid of them entirely. But any application of such pesticide must be done when the asthma sufferer is not at home, and the home should be aired out for at least two hours before they return.

Household mold and mildew: Mold and mildew can grow in damp, dark places like basements and bathrooms where the ventilation is insufficient. Humidity in the home must be decreased as much as possible, and the home should be aired out frequently. Damp surfaces should be cleaned frequently with bleach, and furniture that has any growth on it should be disposed of immediately.

Outdoor air pollution: When air pollution is at high levels, unnecessary physical activity outdoors should be avoided as much as possible. When there is no other choice, the asthma sufferer should use an inhaler prescribed by their doctor before going outside.

Indoor pollution: Asthmatics should not smoke or be in areas where people smoke. While food is being cooked, a ventilator or kitchen hood should be used to avoid smoke buildup, and the kitchen should be well ventilated. The asthma sufferer should avoid the smoke from burning coal, wood or liquid fuel, perfume and the fumes of cleaning products, sprays, paints and other chemical substances as much as possible.

Exercise: Sometimes inhalers must be used before exercise to open up the bronchial passageways. Exercise should not be limited -- just the opposite -- the patient should engage in physical activity to the extent that they are capable.

Nutrition: Some foods can cause allergies manifesting themselves in a number of ways: itching, nausea, burning lips, reddening of the face, congested nasal passageways, runny noses, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, a swollen tongue, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Just as these symptoms can be observed half an hour after eating, they can also be observed a day after eating. Amongst the foods that cause the most allergic reactions are eggs, soy, walnuts. hazelnuts, fish and milk. The way to avoid the problem is, logically, to avoid the food. Sometimes preservatives and additives in commercial foods can cause allergic reactions as well.

Medication: For asthmatics, taking aspirin or other painkillers can sometimes cause reactions half an hour later, such as a constricted chest, coughing, a runny nose, reddening of the eyes and red patches on the head and neck. In serious cases, shock can result. This necessitates caution when using painkillers to avoid any allergic reactions. In addition, some blood pressure and heart medications, eye drops, anesthetics and other medicines can be irritating for asthmatics. Before your doctor gives you any prescription, be sure to tell him/her that you have asthma so the doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication.