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How Is The Air Quality In Your Home?
Acrucial aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is understanding that the quality of air in a person’s home has a significant impact on symptoms. People who don’t have COPD may not think twice about the air quality. However, in many homes, the presence of allergens and irritants may be worse than a person thinks. Here’s what people need to know about making a home safe for loved ones with COPD.
What is COPD?
This common lung disease can lead to difficulty breathing, chronic coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. There are two types of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Most of the time, patients have a combination of both. The primary cause of the condition is smoking. However, exposure to certain fumes, gases, or overexposure to a cooking fire without proper ventilation can also lead to the disease.
Removing humidity
A humid environment can aggravate COPD. In some homes, using a dehumidifier may be necessary. People need to make sure to check the dehumidifier regularly for any buildup of mold, mildew, or bacteria. Removing humidity is crucial to preventing the growth of mold, which also causes symptom flare-ups.
Check your ventilation
Any gas appliances, such as stoves, water heaters, or dryers, must be connected to an outdoor vent. Make sure to use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen. People should also install carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home, particularly in the bedroom. Invest in getting all gas appliances checked by a professional once per year.
Clean for dust and danger
Dust particles and pet dander can cause COPD symptoms. While some dust is unavoidable, the safest bet is to keep pets out of the home altogether. Keep dust down by vacuuming regularly and washing bedding often. Some people may also consider using mattress protectors to keep out excess dust particles.
Overhaul your cleaning products
Certain household products, such as cleaning supplies, paint, air fresheners, and aerosols, can all contain chemical irritants. Look for products that have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When using any of these products, make sure to open windows and keep the house well-ventilated. One option is also to use natural cleaning supplies. For example, baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are all effective cleaners and disinfectants that cause less irritation for those with COPD.
Living well with COPD
COPD is a condition that will require symptom management. By taking some extra steps, people can make homes safer, lowering the risk of complications. For more information on living well with COPD, speak with a healthcare provider.
