About

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition that affects the airways and the way a person breathes. Asthma cannot be cured, only treated. Certain conditions in the home, such as mold, dust mites, and even some cleaning products, can trigger and exacerbate asthma. According to the Springfield Health Equity Report Springfield residents of color continued to be at a substantially greater risk of experiencing complications from asthma than White Springfield residents. Latinx residents visited the emergency room for asthma-related complications at a rate nearly five times that of White Springfield residents, while Black residents had rates double that of Whites. Children aged 0-14 also experienced these inequities with the highest rates among Latino/a children with rates double those of Whites (2,837 vs 1,107 per 100,000)

The impact of asthma:

• High medical costs from unexpected emergency room visits and hospitalizations
• Missed school days
• Missed work days

Many asthma episodes are triggered by hazards in the home. By making your home healthier, you can prevent these triggers and keep your family healthy!

If someone in your home is experiencing chronic coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath, you should go to your primary care provider. If these symptoms increase in the home, especially at night, home-based asthma triggers may be the cause.

Top Ten Actions to Control Asthma Triggers in Your Home:

1. No smoking indoors (or in the car).
2. Cover mattress, box springs, and pillows with special allergy proof encasings.
3. Remove carpet in the bedroom or vacuum often.
4. Regularly clean your home to remove dust.
5. Wash bedding in hot water weekly.
6. Fix leaks and moisture problems.
7. Store all food in air-tight containers or in the refrigerator.
8. Clean up crumbs and dirty dishes and remove garbage daily.
9. Keep cats, dogs, and caged pets out of bedrooms.
10. Avoid using products with strong odors around family members with asthma.

These action steps can reduce asthma triggers. This can reduce asthma attacks. Remember, Asthma Needs Action.

Create an Asthma Action Plan with your Doctor:

The EPA recommends updating Asthma Action Plans annually. These written documents encourage self-management of asthma. Your doctor can help you figure out the best plan for you. Plans include:

• List of personal triggers and how to avoid them;
• Instructions for taking asthma medication(s);
• Information on what to do during an asthma episode;
• Instructions on when to call a doctor;
• Emergency telephone numbers.

Visit the EPA’s Website for examples of commonly used action plans.

View Clean Water Actions’ Safe Cleaning and Disinfecting in the Age of COVID infographic for the best ways to mitigate the spread of the virus in your home.