In France, at least 4 million people are affected by asthma according to Public Health France. This chronic respiratory disease is a burden for many children and adults, which leads to medication and sometimes hospitalizations. Since Covid-19 is a particularly aggressive virus for the respiratory tract, the pandemic has added considerable stress to asthmatics.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to control all asthma triggers. On the other hand, it is possible to act on elements that aggravate the risk of crises, in particular when they are found in our most familiar environment: the home.
A new study conducted in Australia, which includes a meta-analysis of major research carried out in the country between 2000 and 2020 (56 studies involving a total of 138,000 people), highlighted everything that should be removed from the housing of asthmatics.
Three points of vigilance
Conclusion: passive smoking, synthetic bedding and gas heating are the most frequently identified triggers. These elements have been found in a large number of homes where the inhabitants suffer from asthma and require more serious treatments. The main trigger remains by far the fact of being surrounded by smokers. Passive smoking interferes with the normal development of the lungs and causes irritation of the airways.
The second most common household trigger are duvets and pillows made from unnatural fibers, such as nylon, microfiber, or acrylics. Their levels of allergens and dust mites – which feed on your dead skin cells – are very high. Homes with asthmatic children should be particularly careful about the bedding chosen for the little ones.
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Finally, ducted or ductless gas heaters can emit nitrogen dioxide that is potentially irritating to the airways, and therefore triggers asthma symptoms. It is better to get rid of gas heaters, scientists note. Overall, research has demonstrated the importance of emphasizing the prevention of certain factors. People know that passive smoking can be dangerous, especially for children, but not necessarily that it is also dangerous for asthmatics. Ditto for synthetic bedding. These small daily details may seem trivial, but they are not.
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