Many things that potentially trigger asthma symptoms can be found in your home, including carpets, certain furnishings and cleaning products. You may also come across triggers in other people's houses or in your workplace. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of any indoor allergens leading to an asthma attack. Whatever's triggering your asthma, the reality is that it's impossible to get rid of all allergens in your home. And if you only get rid of some, it might not make any difference to your asthma. The evidence is clear that when it comes to coping with asthma triggers - including indoor ones - the best thing you can do is stay on top of your asthma. If you manage your asthma well, your body is in a better position to cope when you come into contact with any asthma triggers. The best ways to manage your asthma are: House dust mites, animals, cockroaches, mould and cigarette smoke are all common asthma triggers in the home. But there are other things found indoors that can also potentially trigger your asthma in different ways.

Speak to your GP or asthma nurse about what you can realistically do to reduce your risk of an asthma attack. You can also call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800 and talk to an asthma nurse specialist, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Some people find that their asthma gets worse when the heating is turned on in the autumn and better when it goes off in the spring. kent ozone air purifier priceThis could be because once the heating is turned on, dust mites multiply very quickly and for some people these are an asthma trigger.nsa air purifier 1200a However, "research actually suggests that asthma symptoms are harder to control for people who don't have central heating at home", says Dr Samantha Walker, Executive Director of Research and Policy at Asthma UK. air duct cleaning newton nj

One reason for this is that central heating gives out a dry heat, and asthma is worse in homes that are damp. Central heating also helps keep a good background level of warmth. This works well for people with asthma who need to avoid sudden changes in temperature (such as going from a heated room into a cold hall) and makes it a better choice of heating than a gas or electric fire just warming one room. Open fires, or wood-burning stoves, can make asthma symptoms worse for some people. Burning wood gives off fine particles and breathing them in can make the airways inflamed. If you have a wood or coal fire make sure any flues are in good condition and working well, and the chimney is swept regularly, so that the smoke can escape. Whatever kind of heating you're using, be aware of any new asthma symptoms when you first start using it as the weather changes. You might want to book an asthma review with your GP or asthma nurse if you know there is going to be a weather change so you can be prepared.

Ask your GP or asthma nurse about increasing your medicines for a time, or keeping your home well ventilated by opening windows. Good ventilation can cut the risk of your asthma being triggered by smoke. It can also reduce the humidity that can result in dust mite levels increasing when the heating goes on. A chemical called formaldehyde is sometimes used in the manufacture of carpets, furniture, shelving, flooring and bedding. This chemical is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC), which means it becomes a gas at room temperature. Although there's little solid evidence it can trigger asthma symptoms, some people tell us the smell of new carpets and furniture can make their symptoms worse. If you think this applies to you, it makes sense to limit your exposure. Here are some steps that might be helpful: When you're moving house it's a good idea to check with previous owners if they had a pet. If pets trigger your asthma you might want to get the carpets in your new home professionally cleaned before moving in.

A lot of the cleaning products we use every day contain VOCs. They are found in furniture polish, air fresheners, carpet cleaners, oven cleaners and in the chemicals used in dry cleaning. Sprays can be more likely to trigger asthma than solid or liquid cleaning products, because you end up inhaling the chemicals. Some people also tell us the smell of cleaning products and air fresheners can trigger their asthma. Professional cleaners and others who use a lot of cleaning products all the time are at more risk of developing asthma. The products used in decorating and DIY contain certain VOCs. Some people tell us these products can trigger their asthma symptoms, although there hasn't been much research into this. If you find being around paint, glue and varnishes triggers your asthma, try these steps: There's a link between poor housing and asthma so it's important to make sure problems like damp, mould and poor ventilation are sorted out as soon as possible. If you have work done in your home, make sure you're not putting your asthma at greater risk.

People with asthma have told us they've tried these tips for helping to reduce their risk of having an asthma attack due to triggers in the home: Air filters and purifiers clean the air and can reduce the number of asthma triggers such as pet dander (flakes of skin), mould spores, dust and tobacco smoke particles. Some people tell us having an air filter or air purifier helps them with their asthma symptoms. However more research is needed to prove this. Most studies suggest that they do improve symptoms, but only if used alongside other methods. They can't remove all allergens and even a few left behind can trigger asthma symptoms. If you're thinking of using an air filter or purifier, you need to: Some people with asthma tell us that humidifiers and dehumidifiers help with their asthma symptoms, but once again only if used alongside other methods. There isn't much research evidence about how effective they are. Keeping your home well ventilated by opening windows or using extractor fans reduces humidity.