Breathing Easy: Home Modifications for Those With Allergies and Asthma
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 100 million people in the U.S. struggle with allergies each year. Many more deal with the effects of asthma, making it difficult to breathe in certain environments. Older individuals tend to struggle with asthma symptoms more than younger adults, and the effects can be devastating, leading to more serious respiratory issues, and even more deaths in elderly people.
You can’t control the pollen in the air or the amount of cat dander floating around, even in your own home. But, you can take proactive steps to modify your home for allergy and asthma sufferers.
Home should be a safe haven for everyone. When it’s difficult to breathe, it kind of defeats that purpose! Thankfully, there are practical strategies you can put in place to create an allergen-free space for people with respiratory conditions. Making simple changes to your home environment can make a huge difference in promoting well-being and helping those who struggle with health challenges that make it difficult to breathe.
Hire Some Help
One of the easiest and most effective ways to make home modifications is to hire a handyman to help – especially if you’ve already detected air pollution in your home. Some common signs of indoor allergens include:
- Unpleasant odors
- Humidity
- Pockets of hot or cold air
- Respiratory symptoms
- Dust buildup
- Mold
A professional handyman service, such as HandyPro, can help with things like making sure your HVAC system is running efficiently and ensuring your home has proper ventilation. Don’t hesitate to do your research on local workers to find someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and has the experience you need to keep allergens out of your home. Someone who has been doing this kind of work for a while can help you with the major modifications, but they can also give you advice and tips on small changes you can make around your home to purify the air.
Get Smart
Smart home technology is becoming more popular and prominent all the time. Many people see smart devices as convenience boosters, and they certainly can be. But, they can also improve your well-being when you implement the right ones. Not only can they help with air quality, but many smart home devices can improve the safety of older homeowners.
The easiest way to improve air quality in your home with a smart device is to invest in a smart air purifier – preferably with a HEPA filter. These filtration systems can capture lint, pet hair and dander, dust, and so much more. They can also trap bacteria to keep you from getting sick as often.
The big difference between a smart air purifier and a traditional model is how it’s controlled and the information it provides. Most smart devices can be controlled and monitored using Wi-Fi, so you can check in on your purifier no matter where you are. You can turn it off and on even when you’re not home, and it can give you data about what’s being collected and the air quality in your home. That kind of information is useful for your health and can help you determine what other steps you should take to clean the air in your living space.
Smart home devices aren’t complicated. They can actually save on energy and help you spend less on utility bills, and you stay in complete control even when you’re not at home. From smart thermostats to devices that can turn on fans to circulate air, you can transform your living space into a clean air haven with just a few simple touches.
Allergen-Free Tips
If you want to take on even more home projects to reduce allergens, start by keeping things clean. It’s not necessarily a modification, but regular vacuuming and dusting will help to control pet hair and dust mites. You can also control the risk of mold spores by investing in a dehumidifier, fixing all leaks and cracks in damp areas, and not letting your shower run for long periods of time.
Next, take a look at your windows. Proper ventilation is incredibly important when you’re trying to get rid of indoor air pollution. Open whatever windows and doors you can, as often as you can. But, make sure you’re also looking for leaks and cracks that need to be repaired. A window that isn’t properly sealed could let in just enough moisture to cause mold.
You can also transform your entryway into a mud room to keep certain allergens from entering the main part of your home. When you have a specific room dedicated to taking off coats and shoes, you’ll reduce the risk of guests tracking in pollen, dust, and other allergens from the outside. It’s much easier to focus on cleaning one room more frequently than having to scrub your entire house after having guests or family members over.
Finally, consider bringing in some greenery. House plants can naturally filter the air and make it easier to breathe. Plus, as an older individual, it doesn’t require a lot of extra time or effort to take care of a few plants – much easier than a pet! Plus, there are countless additional benefits to becoming a plant parent. Plants can improve your mood, reduce stress, and can even improve sleep.
Adequate sleep is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important as you age. It gives your body time to heal and repair itself every day and can keep your mind sharper. It also helps if you’re trying to fight back against depression. Not sure if you’re getting enough sleep? If not, you could experience things like:
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Sore teeth
- Mood swings
- Cravings
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Your environment has a lot to do with your well-being, and that starts with the air quality in your home. You don’t have to spend a lot of time, money, or physical effort to make helpful home modifications that can help with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Keep these HandyPro suggestions in mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help with these changes. They can make a big difference to your well-being as you age in place throughout your golden years.
Author: Amanda Winstead
