People with COPD are particularly sensitive to air pollution, but air pollution isn’t just an outside issue. Poor in-home air quality can also aggravate symptoms and cause increased trouble with breathing. Purifying the air in your home can help manage the symptoms of COPD and help you breathe easier. Try the following steps to clear the air in your house:
- No Smoking! Don’t smoke or allow others to smoke in the home. Fireplace smoke can also be a COPD irritant.
- Reduce Exposure to Chemicals. Household chemicals like paints and cleaning products can aggravate COPD symptoms, so reduce the use of harsh chemicals and keep lids on cleaning products tightly closed when not in use.
- Cut Down on Dust. Wash bed linens weekly, lower your home’s humidity level, remove clutter, and keep pets off furniture in order to minimize dust.
- Filter Your Air. Install an indoor air filtration system and make sure it has a HEPA filter.
- Sweep the Floors. Keeping the floors clean cuts down on dust and allergen buildup. Keep in mind that hardwood floors are easier to maintain in an allergen-free state than carpets.
- Use a Humidifier. Dry air from your home’s heating system can exacerbate COPD symptoms.
The home should be a safe, symptom-free environment for COPD patients. At Aunt Ann’s Home Care, we work with people with COPD to assist with symptom management as well as to modify the home to reduce allergens that cause symptom flare-ups. For more information on how in-home care can benefit you, contact Aunt Ann’s in San Francisco (415) 974-3530 or the Peninsula (650) 757-2000.
