According to the CDC, one in 12 people have asthma. From that statistic, over half have experienced an avoidable asthma attack in the last year. It’s not enough to know the most common triggers, you should also be aware of the more uncommon hidden causes. Below are just some of the worst hidden triggers you need to look out for and avoid.
Carpets
While carpets themselves aren’t allergy-causing, they tend to accumulate plenty of allergen-causing substances such as mites, allergens, and bacteria on the surface. They are also much more difficult to clean by yourself, which makes it easy to delay cleaning it for longer than necessary. Regular vacuuming may lower allergen levels, but it’s better to have a professional carpet cleaning service do a thorough deep cleanse for you. There are plenty of reputable carpet cleaners all over Utah, from Salt Lake City to Lehi, so you should have no problem finding the best one for you.
Cockroaches
The saliva, body parts, and feces of cockroaches contain a protein that may trigger asthma and allergies in some people. When they are kicked up in the air, these allergens tend to act just like dust mites, which aggravate asthma symptoms and lead to a possible asthma attack. It’s important to keep your home clean, especially areas where you can find food and water, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Always keep food and garbage cans tightly sealed, and fix leaks or pipes that could give cockroaches access to water. If you notice an infestation of cockroaches, you should call in a pest exterminator to effectively get rid of them.
Fireplaces
Smoke is a major asthma trigger, but even if it goes out your chimney, burning wood in your home can still release gases, soot, fine particles, and tars which can trigger your asthma. Furthermore, it can lead to serious complications if you or your loved ones have a history of lung disease. Smoke from wood fires contains small particles that may get into your respiratory system and eyes. This can lead to bronchitis and could aggravate symptoms of lung and heart disease. If you absolutely need to, it’s better to use a gas fireplace that has a door as opposed to a screen instead of using wood fires.
Painkillers and antacids
Plenty of adults who suffer from asthma are also sensitive to aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. If you’ve never taken them before, and don’t know if you have aspirin-sensitivity, you should consult with your doctor to see if you do and what alternative medication you can take instead. Tylenol is usually prescribed as a safe substitute, but it’s still best to speak with your doctor to get the right recommendation for your needs.
Cold weather
Cold, dry air can irritate your airways and causes it to produce histamine, which is a chemical your body produces during an allergy attack. Histamine can also trigger wheezing, and several other asthma symptoms. All these may potentially lead to an asthma attack. Before you go out in the cold, cover up your nose and mouth with a face mask.
There are plenty of hidden dangers that can set off an asthma attack. It’s important to be knowledgeable about what they are and how to avoid them.
