ASTHMA & THE HOME
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can be successfully controlled with proper care. Common symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Five steps people with asthma can take to help stay healthy and lead fully active lives:
The average American is indoors nearly 90% of their time, and more than half of this is spent in the home. People with asthma are sensitive to "triggers", which can cause asthma symptoms.
Common asthma triggers found in the home include:
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Tobacco smoke
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Smoke from wood stoves
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Dust
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Hot or cold air
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Molds and mildew
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Strong odors or fumes (cooking, perfumes, candles)
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Pets
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Cockroaches and other pests
Triggers
are different for everyone, so it's important to learn which triggers are problems for you or for someone in your family or home. Your doctor or health care provider can help identify triggers of asthma symptoms and suggest ways to eliminate them from your home.
A powerful indoor trigger for many people with asthma is tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen that can worsen asthma symptoms and cause asthma attacks in people exposed to it.
Below are some tips for avoiding tobacco smoke in the home:
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Do not allow people to smoke in your home.
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Ask friends and family members to smoke outside and keep your home smoke free.
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Offer to help a family member or friend quit smoking.
For information on quitting smoking:
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Breathe NH
Toll Free: 1-800-83-LUNGS (800/835-8647)
Phone: 603/669-2411
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NH Quitline (Tobacco Prevention & Control Program)
Toll Free: 1-800-852-3345 X6891
Phone: 603/271/691
TDD: 1-800-735-2964
Fax: 603/271/5318
- For additional resources on
quitting smoking
- For information on controlling dust mites or other
triggers
Regional Resources
National Resources
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Alliance for Healthy Homes
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Health House
from the American Lung Association
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Healthy Homes:
The Healthy Homes Partnership is a collaboration of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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Healthy Homes Web Tool:
On-line questionnaire which gives a personalized action checklist of easy, low cost ways to protect children from hazards.
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Home Sweet Home:
Providing a Healthy Living Space from the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics: A comprehensive site that covers everything from an indoor trigger checklist to tips on battling mold and allergy proofing your home.
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National Center for Healthy Housing
Resources for Builders
