Could Your Own Home be Causing Your Asthma Allergy?

For many people an episode of asthma may be triggered by outside factors, like allergens that present in their air around them. Allergies vary by person, but a common asthma allergy is pet dander. Dander is another word for the dead skin that flakes off of an animal's body on a daily basis. Humans go through this shedding process as well, but are often not allergic to their own skin cells.

If the asthma allergy is not severe, it might be managed by vacuuming frequently to remove pet danger from any carpets or other surfaces and brushing the animal daily to remove any dander trapped in its coat. Another option, in warmer weather might be to open a window and increase air circulation in the room.

Allergens tend to build up in the air when there is no circulation. However, this method also requires frequent cleaning of the room because, if there are dander particles resting on surfaces of the room, increasing circulation may only serve to stir up these particles into the air which would exacerbate the asthma allergy.

Although many people consider pets to be a part of their family, it may be necessary to let the animal go to a new home if the problem persists or becomes more severe. Prolonged exposure to the allergen could have damaging effects on the asthmatic's respiratory system.

Hidden Danger in Yard Work

Some asthmatics suffer from an allergic reaction to pollen, grass, and other plants found in their own back yard. Since these items are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, it may be difficult for someone with this asthma allergy to engage in normal activities during these months.

To help a loved one manage this problem, one might use a lawn mower that collects its own clippings, so as to minimize the cut grass the asthmatic is exposed to. They might also remove any weeds or pollen producing plants from the yard. This may not eliminate the problem altogether but anything that can lessen the effects of the allergen and help the asthmatic breathe more easily is beneficial.

Naturally, it is not recommended that a person with this type of asthma allergy work in any type of field that requires extended periods of time exposed to these elements, such as gardening or landscaping. Prolonged exposure could trigger an asthma attack, thus it all comes down to figuring out what asthma triggers to avoid.