The History of the Housing Court
ASTHMA & ALLERGIES
Countless millions of children in the U.S. have a
disease called asthma. Athsma makes it hard for people
to breath. It’s the number one reason children miss
school and go to the hospital. There is no cure, but you
can control it.
Even more people have simple allergies. Allergies are
an unusual reaction to something, like food or a plant
that is normally harmless. Persons with allergies suffer
from a stuffy or runny nose, itching, or a rash.
Follow these steps to clear the air of allergens and
asthma triggers:
1. Take it outside. One of the most common
asthma triggers in the home is secondhand smoke. Until
you can quit, smoke outside, not in your home or car.
2. Good night, little mite! Dust mites are
also triggers for asthma. For mite population control,
cover mattresses and pillows with dust-proof (allergen
impermeable) zipper covers. Wash sheets and blankets
once a week in hot water.
3. Play it Safe. Ozone and particle pollution
can cause asthma attacks. Watch for the Air Quality
Index (AQI) during your local weather report. When AQI
reports unhealthy levels, limit outdoor activities.
4. A little goes a long way. Reduce everyday
dust build-up, by regularly dusting with a damp cloth
and vacuuming carpet and fabric-covered furniture.
5. Stake your claim. Household pets can
trigger asthma with skin flakes, urine, and saliva. Keep
pets outdoors, if possible.
6. Uninvite unwelcome guests. Cockroaches can
trigger asthma. Don’t invite them into your home by
leaving food or garbage out. Always clean up messes and
spills and store food in airtight containers.
7. Think before you spray. Instead of
pesticide sprays, control pests by using baits or traps.
If sprays are necessary, always circulate fresh air into
the room being treated and keep asthma sufferers out of
that room for several hours after spraying.
8. Break the mold. Mold is another asthma
trigger. The key to controlling mold is controlling
moisture. Wash and dry hard surfaces to prevent and
remove mold. Replace moldy ceiling tiles and carpet.
9. Air it out. Reducing the moisture will
control asthma triggers like mold, cockroaches, and dust
mites. Use exhaust fans or open windows when cooking and
showering. Fix leaky plumbing of there unwanted sources
of water.
10. Plan before the attack. Work with your
doctor or health care provider to develop a written
asthma management plan for your child that includes
information on your child’s triggers and how to manage
them.
Asthma & Allergies web links and contact information:
Lucas County Health Department (419) 213-4074
American Lung Association, (800) LUNG-USA—www.lungusa.org
The Soap and Detergent Association, Cleaning to
Control Allergies and Asthma, (202) 347-2900—www.cleaning101.com/house
Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes (406)
994-3451—www.healthyindoorair.org
The Allergy & Asthma Network: Mothers of Asthmatics
(800) 878-4403—www.aanma.org
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) (800)
929-4040—www.foodallergy.org
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Asthma and
Indoor Environments—www.epa.gov/asthma
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