Does asthma affect your life or the life of someone in your family? There are sure ways to relieve symptoms and irritated airways. Taking certain precautions in your home may help improve asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. Reducing the allergens and respiratory irritants in your living space can decrease the likelihood of asthmatic episodes.

Common allergens that may trigger an asthmatic reaction include pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and animal dander, as tiny scales shed from skin or hair. Allergens typically trigger the symptoms of asthma after being inhaled into the lungs. Smoke, certain chemicals, perfume, paint and gasoline fumes irritate the lungs and can also spark asthma attacks.

What you can do to asthma proof your house:

• Reduce the number of rugs or carpets in your home, especially in the bedroom of the asthmatic. Use an allergen-filtering vacuum on the rugs or carpets that you own.
• Don't use feather pillows or down comforters; cover your mattresses with airtight, plastic casings.
• Wash bedding once a week in hot water (over 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Dust your home often.
• When it's hot and humid, use an air conditioner and dehumidifier to minimize dust mites and mold.
• Prohibit smoking inside your home.
• Don't use a wood-burning stove; never inhale smoke from a campfire.
• Don't wear perfume; never use spray room deodorizers.
• Be sure there is adequate ventilation when using cleaning products, painting or refinishing wood furniture.
• Use poison baits and traps to kill insects rather than sprays and prevent insect infestations by carefully sealing food or garbage.
• Keep pets outside as much as possible and when inside, keep them away from carpets, upholstered furniture and sleeping areas. Bathe pets once a week and wash your hands after each contact.
• Keep your windows and doors closed on days when the pollution or pollen levels are particularly high.