5 Home Items That Can Aggravate Your Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a respiratory illness that inflames the bronchial tubes, which transport air to and from the lungs. If you have bronchitis, you will experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. While prescribed medications help you manage the signs, they may not be adequate to keep them away permanently. In addition to avoiding smoke and other environmental irritants, you should also pay attention to things in your house that can worsen your bronchitis. Here are five household items that can affect your air quality, and, as a result, aggravate your bronchitis symptoms.
1. Malfunctioning Air Conditioner
An air conditioner provides relief from heat and humidity that may contribute to your bronchitis. However, an air conditioner that is unable to regulate humidity effectively will do more harm than good. If your air conditioner is not functioning as intended, it can become a harbor for mildew and mold, which trigger allergic reactions and worsen your bronchitis. To avoid this, schedule routine air conditioning maintenance, and clean the filters regularly. Additionally, humidity monitors are cheap and effective ways to keep track of the humidity levels inside your home, allowing you to make informed decisions about adjusting your air conditioning units.
2. High-Pile Carpets
High-pile carpets may add a cozy feel to your home, but they’re also notorious for storing dust and pollutants like pet dander and pollen. This leads to respiratory problems, especially if you have bronchitis. Hardwood, tiled, and low-pile carpet options are better for people with respiratory problems. If you can’t replace your high-pile carpets, vacuum them at least once a week to remove any trapped pollutants or dirt.
3. Paints and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Chemical usage is often ignored when it comes to indoor air quality. Paint and other chemicals like varnishes, pesticides, and cleaning agents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that become gases. These gases release into the air, leading to respiratory issues like bronchitis. To avoid VOCs, look for alternative household cleaning agents that have low VOCs, vent your house during cleaning, and open windows when painting or using other chemicals.
4. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are comforting toys for children, but they also pose a risk since they attract dust mites. Children with asthma or bronchitis are likely to have allergic reactions to lodged dust and other pollutants that accumulate in stuffed animals. If your child needs a stuffed toy, consider purchasing ones that are machine-washable or any washable, and wash them regularly.
5. Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplace units produce carbon monoxide gas, a harmful gas that hinders oxygen supply to your cells, causing respiratory illness. Inadequately ventilated gas heaters are more likely to release dangerous fumes, making them a hazard to your health. Gas fireplaces also produce a small amount of fine dust that contributes to respiratory ailments like bronchitis. Change your filters regularly and ensure your gas fireplaces are installed and maintained correctly.
If you have bronchitis, you should take necessary steps to reduce environmental factors that may exacerbate the condition. This includes regulating humidity, removing sources of indoor pollution like high-pile carpets and stuffed animals. By taking simple steps like being mindful about the types of chemicals you use, having clean air filters, and paying attention to the house’s general cleanliness, you’ll be in a position to fend off respiratory issues. Ultimately, managing your symptoms comes down to being highly aware of what is in your surroundings and taking effective steps to maintain optimum indoor air quality.
