This article is evidence-based, verified by Dr. Ahmed Zayed
Even when the air inside your home may seem clean, there may be microscopic particles lurking around your home. The particles most often include allergens that can cause havoc on your entire family’s well-being, leading to a worsening of allergy symptoms and even flare-ups of respiratory issues.
If you feel concerned about your home’s indoor air quality, then you should note that there are several solutions you should consider. By simply making a few changes in your home, you can greatly improve the air quality of the indoor environment.
This means fewer allergy symptoms in yourself, the kids, and everyone else in your home. It also means a reduced risk of respiratory problems and a possible improvement in symptoms associated with conditions like asthma.
The Impact Of Indoor Air Quality On Your Health
Several studies have been performed to see just how much of an impact indoor air quality may have on the people living in the house. Several pollutants have been found to cause an aggravation in certain respiratory conditions, with asthma being a focal point of many studies.
In one study, researchers explain that the exposure to both acrolein and formaldehyde, two common indoor air pollutants, seem to have a definite impact on the severity of asthma symptoms in children. A study published by the American Thoracic Society also explains that additional irritants have been identified in recent years.
The study focuses on how the exposure of mouse-related airborne allergens, dioxide, and nitrogen, can lead to an increase in asthma and other respiratory conditions in children.
Asthma is not the only condition to be taken into account here. Studies have also pointed out that poor indoor air quality can greatly aggravate allergy symptoms.
A publication in the Official Journal of the APAACI explains that there are several air pollutants found in homes that can lead to aggravated symptoms associated with several types of allergic diseases.
Specific diseases, apart from asthma, that the study also focuses on include eczema and allergic rhinitis.
Best Ways To Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
When you notice a worsening of asthma, respiratory, and allergy symptoms in you or your children, it might be time to consider taking steps to improve the indoor air quality of your home. There are many strategies that you can take advantage of in order to produce cleaner air in your home – these can help to eliminate potential allergens and pollutants in the air, which may help to improve these symptoms.
Clean Thoroughly And Often
The most important step to improving air quality indoors is to keep the entire home clean at all times. With a nine-to-five job and kids to look after, you might find yourself short on time – but making a couple of adjustments to your schedule so that you can produce cleaner air will definitely be worth it.
Here are a few tips to consider when cleaning your home:
- Your carpets should be vacuumed regularly. Carpets are some of the most important areas to keep clean, as dust, pollutants, and allergens are prone to collect on carpets. Try to use a vacuum cleaner that comes with a HEPA filter, as this will help to filter the particles that are sucked into the machine.
- Drapes and bedding should also be kept clean. Wash these items at least once a week, if possible. You should try to use warm water when washing your bedding and drapes, as this will help to provide a more thorough cleaning of the items.
- You might want to switch your current pillow covers to products that are made from dust mite resistant material. Bamboo is an excellent example of such material.
- If you have clutter in your home, take some time to sort everything out and clear the area.
Switch To Hard Flooring
As we noted previously, carpets collect particles that are considered irritants to the respiratory system. These particles also make allergy symptoms worse. If your home is currently fitted with wall-to-wall carpeting, then it might be time to think about investing in a different flooring solution.
Switching your carpets for hard flooring can be a very smart move to make. While the costs may be a little alarming, consider it an investment into a healthier family. The removal of wall-to-wall carpets produces less space for pollutants and other particles to collect throughout your home.
This also makes it easier to keep the house clean – as you won’t have to vacuum such large surfaces all the time.
Check Filters In Heating Systems
Many heating systems and even air conditioners tend to use filters. These filters help to improve the circulation of air in your home, while often also being able to collect small particles that may be harmful to your health.
While the initial function of the filters is good for you and your family, if you do not change these filters as they collect these particles, it may cause the irritants to be expelled back into your home.
Use An Air Purifier
Another important step to take if you wish to improve the indoor air quality at home is to install an air purifier. The great thing about air purifiers is that they have become quite affordable lately. Consider adding a large purifier to the living room, or invest in multiple products that can be distributed throughout your home.
Conclusion
The indoor air quality of your home affects your entire family’s well-being. When you have poor air quality in your house, then problems like asthma may be aggravated in both adults and children.
You may also suffer from more severe allergy symptoms and experience other complications with your respiratory system. If these problems sound familiar, be sure to try the tips we shared to help improve your home’s air quality.
Dr. Ahmed Zayed, MD holds a baccalaureate of Medicine and Surgery. An avid contributor to the Huffington Post and Chicago Tribune, Dr. Zayed believes in providing accurate and accessible information to general readers. With years of writing and editing content in the medical niche, Dr. Zayed likes to think of himself as a man with a mission, keeping the internet free of false medical information.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318801/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266016/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736369/
