(HealthAndFitnessTimes.com) Quite a few homes have airborne dirt and dust, gases, bacterias, as well as other irritants which aggravate COPD symptoms.

Using tobacco creates a significant threat for the lungs of individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with no question. Tobacco smoke includes a lot more than 4,000 chemical compounds, which includes forty three which are acknowledged to cause cancer. Outside atmosphere pollution is yet another major threat.

However these arent the sole risks to individuals having COPD, a lung disease which includes both emphysema and also chronic bronchitis. Countless homes hold airborne dirt and dust, gases, bacteria, and various irritants which aggravate COPD symptoms such as coughing, breathing problems, difficulty breathing, and also chest tightness. The potential risks are especially higher within the 20% of COPD patients which in addition have allergies.

You may be shocked at many of the items throughout the house that may result in difficulty. For instance, a number of air filters which help clear away the dust in the air discharge small quantities of ozone, an air pollutant thats a lung irritant.

Ozone could possibly be problematic for those who have COPD, states Byron Thomashow, MD, professor of medicine with Columbia University Medical Center, New York City as well as chairman of the COPD Foundation. Which is the reason why I normally suggest HEPA filter systems, that do not produce ozone.

Listed here are 9 additional household dangers for those who have COPD:

1. Air Ductwork filled up with Dust

The forced air flow cooling and heating systems present in countless homes can easily blow dust and various irritants through the entire house. Cleaning the air ductwork regularly will help reduce this issue.

2. Carpets and Rugs Which Obtain Dust and Debris

Carpets and rugs are generally an additional significant source of dirt and dust. Every time you go walking upon a rug or carpet, you stir up a cloud of dust which you might not be capable of seeing, states Neil Schachter, MD, professor of medicine and community medicine and also medical director in the respiratory care department in Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City.

Carpets trigger more problems as compared to rugs, simply because they usually are larger (and for that reason have much more irritants) and also tougher to completely clean than area rugs (which could merely be rolled away and taken to the cleaner). Brand new carpets could be particularly irritating, since they can out-gas formaldehyde along with other noxious organic and natural compounds for an lengthy stretch of time following installation.

The harsh truth? If somebody in the home has COPD, uncovered wood flooring would be best, states Schachter. To help reduce the danger resulting from dust, leave footwear at the doorway and arrange to get somebody that hasnt got COPD to dust, mop, vacuum, etc.

3. Cleansing Products Which Produce Fumes

Stove cleaners, aerosol polish, along with other household cleansers, particularly those which contain bleach or ammonia, can be quite irritating. Everything that gives off gases may cause difficulties, bathroom washing products, particularly, Thomashow claims.

Many individuals with COPD possess a red, raw air passage, Schachter states. If you inhale the fumes from all of these products, you are only fanning the flames.

He suggests exchanging fume-producing items with less-irritating green cleaning agents, or relying upon old fashioned cleansing agents such as water and soap, baking soda, and also vinegar.

The area getting cleaned ought to be properly ventilated, as well as somebody that doesnt have COPD ought to wield the actual mop and scrub brush (and also the person with COPD must stay away until the work is completed). Following use, cleaning products must be firmly capped and set away.

If a person with COPD must make use of cleaning products, the COPD Foundation suggests putting on a respirator face mask graded N95 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

4. Dry Cleaning Chemical substances

Many people having COPD tend to be sensitive to the smell of recently dry-cleaned clothes. To prevent difficulty, take the clothing from the plastic and allow them to air out prior to putting them inside your closet.

Alternatively, put them inside an area having an open window, and shut the door. You could also locate a green dry cleaner which does not make use of harsh chemicals.

5. Fireplaces and also Wood Stoves

A roaring wood flame produces light as well as warmth, as well as various irritating gases and sooty air particle matter.

I usually suggest against making use of fireplaces, Thomashow states.

Schachter states that, Having a open fire is similar to using tobacco. Im not necessarily saying do away entirely with fires and candlelight dinners but to accomplish almost everything within reason.

One particular fire which should by no means be permitted to burn within the household of somebody with COPD: the one at the end of the cigarette. There can be absolutely no compromise regarding smoking, Schachter affirms. That is usually death. Even light smoking (contact with someone elses cigarette smoke) can be dangerous for those who have COPD.

6. Moisture Which Breeds Bacteria and Mildew

Coming from shower stalls to basements to that particular sponge still left lying by the kitchen sink, moisture in your home could encourage the development of bacteria and also mold.

Exactly what can you do to stymie these types of irritants? Seal all leaks. Wipe up spills immediately, and also get rid of water-damaged carpets. Make use of fans to improve air flow within bathrooms and kitchen areas. Exchange kitchen and bath sponges often.

Get a humidity meter and make a plan to maintain indoor humidity under 40%, for instance, by running the dehumidifier or perhaps air conditioner.

7. Family pet Dander and Dirt

Dogs and cats fill your house with love, and also with aggravating dirt and dander (pieces of dry out hair and skin).

Not really desirous to bid au revoir to Rover? Have your pet cleaned and groomed two times a month. And also keep your pet out of the bedroom.

8. Showerheads Which Hold Mycobacteria

Current research has proven that showerheads could hold so-called atypical mycobacteria.

These kinds of germs are usually safe to healthy individuals, yet capable of leading to a chronic, low-grade illness which brings hacking and coughing and also difficulty breathing in individuals with COPD.

Mycobacteria may also be resistant to antibiotics, which make them difficult to eradicate.

In order to avoid trouble, Schachter suggests getting showerheads cleaned out (or swapped out) twice annually.

9. Toiletries: Perfumed Soaps, Hair shampoos, Aerosols

Many people having COPD tend to be sensitive to perfumed soaps, hair shampoos, deodorants, hairsprays, and also cosmetics. In the event that describes somebody within your house, stick to fragrance-free personal products, and also avoid perfume and cologne.


I thought this information would be helpful for those who are new to the site or new to COPD and breathing problems.

I hope everyone is having Breathing Easy Day,

Hugs to all,

Holly