Spring-cleaning tips for people with asthma
14 March 2008

In case you missed it, spring has now officially sprung! It’s that time of year when we all start to think about spritzing up our homes for the start of the new season but if you are one of the 5.2 million people in the UK who suffer from asthma, this is especially important.

Dust, dirt and allergens tend to collect over the winter months causing a potentially dangerous build up of asthma triggers in your home. 90% of people with asthma tell us that dust triggers their condition and in the UK alone over 200 people a day are admitted to emergency care with potentially life-threatening asthma attacks. Asthma UK is therefore providing some simple steps to help you protect yourself and your family from some of the common indoor asthma triggers.

Clear out old belongings
Recycling old belongings and collectables, or donating them to charity will cut down on dust throughout the house, making cleaning easier. Items that fit tidily into closets and drawers can be hidden neatly away so that they will not gather as much dust. A clutter-free environment is easier to clean—and easier to keep clean.

Dust everything!
Dust may have collected during the winter months so now is the perfect time to move aside furniture in order to reach every nook and cranny. Rarely vacuumed spots may not look dirty, but dust will have collected in the corners of rooms. Window blinds and curtains can also be dust traps so it is important to clean them thoroughly. Dot Russell, asthma nurse specialist on the Asthma UK Adviceline, says: ‘If you know house-dust mites trigger your asthma, you may be able to reduce some symptoms by damp-dusting all surfaces and vacuuming all areas frequently using a vacuum cleaner with good suction and a filtered exhaust. The filters on vacuum cleaners should be changed regularly and you may need to ask someone else to empty the machine.’

Dot adds: ‘Even though you may be spring-cleaning to help your asthma, take care as dust particles will be in the air for at least two hours after cleaning and this may trigger asthma symptoms. Ways to avoid this could be keeping the house well-ventilated while cleaning or asking someone else to vacuum whilst you are out of the room. Be aware that some chemicals in cleaning products and highly scented products may also bring on your asthma symptoms – vinegar is a good, natural alternative.’

Change all old filters
Don't forget to change or clean the filters on air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers or vents so that the incoming air in your home is clean, fresh and breathable.

Get rid of indoor mould
Mould in the home can be a trigger for people with asthma and it thrives in damp environments.  Ensure your home is well-ventilated and remove mould by washing and disinfecting rubbish bins, thoroughly scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms and cleaning or changing shower curtains.

Dot continues: ‘People with asthma need to be aware of what their triggers are and know how to avoid them. As part of a self-management plan this can help make life easier and may also enable asthma management with the least medicine possible. A written personal asthma action plan should be discussed and completed with your doctor or asthma nurse and contains the information you need to control your asthma. This includes details of your asthma medication, key things to tell you when your asthma is getting worse and what you should do about it, as well as emergency information on what to do if you have an asthma attack.’

For further advice, call the Asthma UK Adviceline on 08457 01 02 03 or email an asthma nurse specialist at asthma.org.uk.

1. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma.
2. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website asthma.org.uk.
3. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at asthma.org.uk/adviceline.