Asthma Triggers in Senior Homes in Broward County

Do seniors at home in Broward County face difficulty while breathing? The reason might be the air seniors breathe. Millions of seniors in America are reported living with a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

The air seniors breathe can make these conditions worse. As such, there is no cure for conditions like asthma but there are some things that can prevent seniors from such conditions such as opting for home care services. 

Here are some triggers that might be leading seniors in Broward County to conditions like asthma hiding in their homes. 

Triggers Leading To Asthma Among Seniors In Broward County

Smoke 

Smoke can worsen asthma in seniors in Broward County. It is because cigarette smoke is the primary cause of COPD and also the primary reason for continued symptoms. Besides this, other kinds of smoke like smoke coming from a stove or fireplace can also trigger asthma. The best way forward for senior care would be to stay away from smokers. Avoid using wood-burning stoves inside the home. 

Humidity and mold 

Living in a humid climate can increase the risk of COPD and asthma in seniors flare-ups because humid air is harder to breathe and can lead to mold growth in homes, a common trigger for these conditions. Humidity also attracts dust mites, bugs, and bacteria. 

To mitigate these risks, try to keep home humidity levels below 50%. A hygrometer can be used to measure humidity, and air-conditioning or dehumidifiers can help in reducing it. Addressing sources of dampness, such as leaks, plumbing issues, and inadequate ventilation in rooms like bathrooms, is crucial. 

For mold removal, scrub hard surfaces with soap and warm water, wearing a mask and gloves. If mold covers an area larger than 10 square feet, professional cleaning may be necessary.

Dust and dust mites

Another trigger that might be worsening asthma among seniors in Broward County is dust and dust mites. Breathing in dust can cause allergic reactions in seniors. The best way to deal with this is to keep your home clean. Wash all bed sheets and clothes in warm water to kill and wash away all dust mites. 

Do dusting with a damp cloth to trap the dust better. You can also help seniors in housekeeping by choosing to have an air purifier to clear dust and other allergens from the air. 

Pet dander 

Pet dander, which is a flake of pets’ skin, is a common allergen that can exacerbate breathing problems. To mitigate these issues, the best approach is to avoid furry pets that trigger allergies and respiratory difficulties. 

For those who already have furry pets, reducing dander can be achieved through regular vacuuming and dusting, washing hands or showering after contact with animals, and laundering clothes and bedding that pets come into contact with. Additionally, it’s beneficial to keep pets out of bedrooms.