COPD symptoms can become more pronounced if the air inside your home is not clean.
Family members providing COPD care for an older loved one know that outdoor air pollution can make symptoms worse. But, did you know that compromised air quality in the home can also aggravate COPD symptoms? Cleaning the air inside the home can help those with COPD – and everyone else in the home – breathe easier.
The experts in senior care in Fort Madison and the surrounding areas at Advanced Home Health Care suggest these additional COPD care strategies:
- Ban Indoor Smoking. Never smoke or permit others to smoke in the home of someone with COPD. If the home contains a woodstove or fireplace, realize that it can also be a source of irritation for the person with COPD.
- Avoid Chemical Exposure. Chemicals in the home, like cleaning products and paint, can trigger COPD symptoms, so limit the use of them, and make sure to keep lids on cleaning products when not in use. It’s also a good idea to look into healthier cleaning options, like vinegar and baking soda.
- Reduce Dust. Wash bed linens each week, clear away clutter, and make sure pets stay off furniture to limit the amount of dust and dander.
- Purify the Air in the Home. Use an air filtration device with a HEPA filter. Although air pollution is not as much a concern in rural areas as it is in the city, someone with COPD can still benefit from filtered air to clear away irritants and toxins.
- Maintain Clean Floors. Making sure floors are swept and clean reduces allergen buildup. Keep in mind that hardwood floors are easier to keep in an allergen-free state than rugs and carpeting.
- Use a Humidifier. Dry air can make COPD problems worse, as can air that is too damp. Strive for a level of around 40% humidity within the home for someone with COPD.
COPD patients can breathe easier with the help of Advanced Home Health Care. We can offer:
- Helpful educational information about COPD care and management
- Exercise tips to ease symptoms
- Nutrition and dietary suggestions
- Skills to best manage symptoms
- And a wide range of home care services
Our fully trained and experienced home care team will first provide an in-home assessment to create a plan of care to address your loved one’s needs. Advanced Home Health Care is here to help with personalized senior care in Fort Madison and the surrounding areas. Contact us any time at 800.791.7785 to find out more about the many ways our professional home care can help.
