Sometimes, the trigger for asthma is right inside your home.

Tuesday May 5 is World Asthma Day

If you’ve ever been told your child has asthma, you’ll remember that moment – the panic, worry, fear, and the thoughts of what life will now look like. But it doesn’t always have to be that way.

One major trigger for asthma is something many of us don’t even think about – dust mites.

These tiny organisms live in fabrics like pillows, bedding, curtains, and stuffed toys. They thrive in warm, moist environments and feed on dead skin cells we naturally shed. As we go about our daily activities – making beds, dusting, and generally moving around, they can become airborne and trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

So how do you reduce them?

• Dust with a damp cloth or oiled duster to prevent particles from becoming airborne

• Vacuum instead of sweeping with a broom

• Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers

• Wash bedding and stuffed toys weekly with hot water

• Reduce carpets, heavy curtains, and upholstered furniture where possible

• Keep the moisture and humidity low and reduce clutter. These would reduce the breeding places of the mites.

With simple hygiene measures, asthma can be better controlled and flare-ups reduced.