Table of Contents
I. What's Affecting my Air Quality?
II. 7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality goes unseen, but can cause big problems for people with asthma, allergies, or COPD. Airborne allergens can trigger asthma symptoms, while other particles irritate the airways and make it more difficult to breathe. Several medications like Advair are available to help those affected by these triggering substances. Read on to learn more about what could be contributing to your breathing conditions.
What's Affecting my Air Quality?
Some of the most common substances to compromise indoor air quality and respiratory health are:
Pet Dander
Tiny flakes of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other pets become airborne and settle into the surfaces of a home. For people with allergies or allergic asthma, these particles can cause everything from minor irritation to significant symptoms.
Pollen
Produced by trees, grasses and weeds, pollen is made up of tiny spores that plants use to reproduce. People tend to think of spring as pollen season, but different plants release pollen at various times of the year.
Chemicals
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted by many paints, varnishes and cleaning solutions. They can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, along with causing dizziness and headaches.
Tobacco Smoke
The same chemicals that make smoking so hazardous to your health can linger in your home and compromise air quality for extended periods of time. [1]
7 Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
1. Ventilate
Opening windows for ventilation removes some pollutants from indoor air, and is essential if you’re painting or using products that emit VOCs. But if it’s pollen that’s causing you problems, keep the windows closed and use air conditioning or fans to stay cool.
2. Vacuum
Keep carpets and upholstery free of dander and other allergens with frequent vacuuming. Change bags and empty canisters on a regular basis to keep your vacuum cleaner at its most efficient.
3. Change your air filters
Clogged filters in your air conditioner or HVAC system circulate debris back into your home instead of trapping it in place. To trap a wider range of particles, upgrade to a higher quality filter.
4. Dehumidify
Humidity can make your home feel warmer and ease dry skin during winter months. But excess moisture in the air creates a better environment for dust mites and mold growth. Air conditioning systems reduce humidity in the summer, or you can use portable dehumidifying units to target specific rooms.
5. Cut down on pet dander
If there are pets in your home, keeping them well groomed can reduce the amount of dander they distribute throughout your house. Have a family member without respiratory illness brush out your pet’s coat before they come inside after a walk, or make an appointment for bathing with a professional groomer.
Wash pet bedding frequently to keep dander from accumulating in your home. If your pets don’t have their own bedding, that could be part of the problem. Give pets their own separate sleeping area to cut down on dander in your bedroom.
6. Reduce dust mites
Microscopic dust mites live in bedding and carpet fibers, eating dead flakes of skin shed by people. The thought is pretty disgusting, and many people are sensitive to these miniscule pests. To make your home less hospitable to dust mites:
- Add mite-proof covers to pillows and mattresses
- Wash and change bedding often to remove the dead skin that attracts mites
- Vacuum carpets and mop bare floors frequently
- Dust mites like warm, humid environments. Use a dehumidifier or turn on the A/C to reduce their numbers
7. No smoking inside
Make your home smoke-free to improve your indoor air quality and keep your space smelling fresh and clean. [2]
Asthma and COPD Inhalers
These air quality improvements should help your breathing, but won’t replace the need for asthma or COPD medication. If your doctor prescribes a drug like Advair to help control respiratory illness, it may be available for less at CanadaPharmacyDelivery.com. Click here to view prices on brand-name and generic inhalers. [3]
DISCLAIMER: The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.