Environment
Allergy Management
It is well known that asthma attacks can be precipitated by a number of allergens. Both conventional and integrative medicine practitioners commonly recommend reducing exposure to dust mites, cockroaches, carpets, animals, smokers, upholstered furniture through the following measures:
Enclose pillows and mattresses in airtight polyurethane covers or use fiberfill products instead of down or foam pillows
Remove carpeting (hardwood or linoleum floor is better) and curtains
Wash sheets and stuffed toys in hot water every week
HEPA Filters
An additional integrative medicine approach is the use of a high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters remove small particles of three microns, and can reduce aero-allergens by almost 100%.
Reisman 1990 demonstrated reduced rhinitis and asthma symptoms in patients using HEPA filters
Evans 1992 showed that HEPA filters reduce dog aero-allergens
Today, HEPA filters are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the bedroom or common living areas to reduce exposure to airborne mediated triggers.