Monday, September 28, 2009

Pediatric Asthma Treatment: How to Avoid Indoor Asthma Triggers

Asthma is a long-lasting disease wherein the airways tend to become reversibly narrowed and results to shortness of breath. Coughing and wheezing often accompany the main symptom. An asthma attack is an immediate progression of asthma from a steady state to acute. This occurs when the asthmatic is exposed to triggers. Triggers are usually airborne irritants that an asthmatic may inadvertently inhale.

Outdoor triggers include molds, pollen, and smoke. While most families keep their asthmatic child inside the house, the childs condition may not get better because indoor triggers are not eliminated. Indoor triggers pose as much of a risk as outside triggers. Pets, for instance, should be left outdoors or at least outside the childs bedroom.

Cigarette smoke is pretty popular in their role as an asthma trigger. Not only are they triggers, but they can also contribute to the development of asthma in a child. The earlier the child is exposed to cigarette smoke, the earlier their lungs start deteriorating. An already asthmatic child should not be exposed to cigarette smoke. If theres a smoker around, it should be done outside the home. Even if the child has left, indoor smoking should be avoided. There is a study going on to prove that smoke residue inside the home can trigger asthma.

Low humidity levels decreases growth rate of indoor molds. Damp or wet bathroom tiles are ideal grounds for mold growth. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to fix water leaks. The house should also be kept clean. Food should be kept in closed containers or refrigerators. Trash cans must be kept closed. This attracts less cockroaches ” which is a well-known asthma trigger.

Peak flow meters are handy devices that can help measure the amount of air that a person breathes out. Its readings are color coded with green, yellow, and red. Peak values falling under the green indicates good breathing, while red signifies an asthma attack. A peak flow may also help you monitor lung function. Regular use of it may warn you of upcoming asthma attacks as it can detect airway obstruction even in the absence of symptoms.


P.S., Boost your resistance to asthma by heavy intake of Vitamin C rich foods or fuits.



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