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Q&A: What is Asthma?Non-medical treatment Q:How can I avoid common triggers? A:Firstly, try to discover what triggers your asthma. Common triggers include tobacco smoke, cold air and exercise.
Some allergens can be avoided. For example, if you are allergic to horses or cats you should keep away from them. Other allergens and environmental triggers, such as house dust mite, pollen and air pollution, are more difficult to avoid completely. Remember there is a difference between triggers that cause inflammation (inducers) and those that only cause temporary symptoms. Full advice about which allergens and environments you should avoid can only be given after talking to your doctor and often after you have been tested for allergies.  Top of page
Q:What can I do to improve my home environment in general? A:It is important that your home is easy to ventilate and keep clean, particularly the floors. Wood, tile or linoleum flooring is better than fitted textile carpeting, which tends to collect a lot of dust, dust mites and allergens. In general, do not keep furry animals or birds, even if you are not specifically allergic to them, as they will lead to an increase in the amount of house dust. Try to avoid strong perfumes, aftershave, deodorants and fragrant flowers inside the house, as these are all possible triggers of asthma. Do not allow anyone to smoke indoors (and avoid other smoky environments such as bars). Top of page
Q:Im allergic to pets/furry animals, what can I do? A:If you have allergic asthma, it is especially important to avoid or at least reduce your exposure to the relevant allergens. If you are allergic to pets, such as cats and dogs, you should not keep them indoors. You should also reduce your contact with other peoples pets, especially indoors. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and double bags. You may also feel better if you avoid having dust-collecting textiles and furniture. Top of page
Q:Should I get a central vacuum cleaner? A:It is not scientifically proven that a central vacuum cleaner is more effective than a modern vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and double bags. Top of page
Q:Im allergic to dust mites, what can I do? A:House dust mites and their allergens are difficult to avoid. Try to keep your house, and especially the living area and the bedrooms, dry and well ventilated. Avoid textile floor coverings. If possible, let someone else do the cleaning. Mop the floors instead of vacuuming them. It can be a good idea to encase pillows, quilts and mattresses in airtight covers that do not allow dust mites or their allergens to pass through. Alternatively, wash your pillow, blanket and bedding regularly at 60C. Previously, it was recommended that you put your pillow in the freezer regularly to reduce the number of dust mites, but this is unnecessary if you get a cover for your pillow and mattress that does not let the dust mites through. Ask your doctor for advice. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and double bags. You may also feel better if you avoid having dust-collecting textiles and furniture. Top of page
Q:Can I reduce my asthma if I get an air purifier? A:It is not clear whether using an air purifier in the home is effective. If you have no other way of reducing your exposure to allergens or irritants, it may be worth trying. However, you must use it correctly, which includes keeping doors and windows closed in the room where you are using it. Top of page
Q:Can acupuncture help my asthma? A:Acupuncture releases the bodys own cortisone, among other things, and this can help in some cases. One or two studies have shown a short temporary effect of acupuncture on asthma, but there are no long-term studies showing any lasting effects. Top of page
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