LIVING WELL WITH ASTHMA
Cockroaches
Cockroaches leave droppings behind
that contain potent allergens.
Cockroach allergies are a particular
concern for people living in big cities.
Smoking
Cigarette, pipe, and cigar smoke
has a severe effect on asthma. In
fact, children who live in homes with
adults who smoke are far more likely
to have asthma problems and ear
infections. If you or someone in your
family has asthma, the best solution
is to not smoke at all. Additional ways
to prevent smoking from triggering
asthma include:
Weather
Weather conditions can affect airways
of people with asthma. Usually this
happens when the temperature is very
hot, very humid, or very cold and dry.
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If you live in a building with
cockroaches:
•
Keep your house clean and food in
tight containers.
•
•
Repair water leaks.
•
If spraying is necessary, use a
professional service regularly and
leave your home until any odor has
cleared.
•
Never allow anyone to smoke in
your home, in your car, or around
people with asthma.
•
If your state allows smoking in
public places, eat in restaurants
that do not allow smoking.
•
Ask smokers to wear a shirt or
jacket while smoking outside that
can be taken off upon returning
inside.
Use traps and poison baits to
control cockroaches. Sprays can be
irritating to your airways.
What can you do to reduce weather
triggers?
•
Avoid outdoor activity when the
weather is very hot, very cold, or
very humid.
•
Wear a scarf around your mouth
and nose to warm the air you
breathe and protect your airways
when you must be out in cold, dry
weather.