When you’re living with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the air you breathe every day could make a big difference in how you’re feeling. This includes the air outside and inside your house.
While you can’t really control the air quality outside your abode, you can make changes to manage your COPD symptoms. Below are practical ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Don’t Smoke Inside the House or Quit Smoking Right Now
You should have quit smoking when you got your COPD diagnosis, but if you haven’t, now’s the time to stop the bad habit. If you’re having difficulty quitting, talk to your doctor. You should also make “no smoking inside” a rule in your home. This applies to family members and visitors.
Note that secondhand smoke could be just as bad when you’re trying to quit smoking and/or trying to manage your condition. Not to mention the pollutants that cling to the air and furniture when someone smokes a cigarette.
Examine and Clean Your Furnace Regularly
Make sure your furnace isn’t putting soot in your indoor air and is functioning correctly. If you use a gas heater, ensure that your pilot light is functioning properly. Refrain from using coal or wood-burning fireplaces and stoves because these generate lots of fumes and dust that will exacerbate your symptoms.
Make it a point to have a furnace repair specialist in Salt Lake City check your furnace regularly and do the necessary repairs.
Opt for Natural Products
Standard mildew removers, home cleaners, and furniture polish could contain ammonia, bleach, and other chemicals that could easily aggravate your already irritated lungs. Whenever possible, opt for natural products or have another person clean your home. Don’t enter a newly cleaned room until it has been aired out, so you won’t have to breathe in the fumes from the harsh cleaning products.
Install a HEPA Filter
HEPA or high-efficiency particulate air filters could reduce your exposure to dangerous air pollutants in your house. Although this might not work that much for those with late-stage COPD, it could help make your indoor air cleaner. Consider installing one in your bedroom and kitchen if you do not necessarily need a HEPA filter in the entire house. Let the professionals do the installation and maintenance for you.
Ensure That Your Home, Especially the Kitchen is Well Ventilated
Some individuals with COPD might be extra sensitive to fumes generated from cooking, particularly those from gas or charcoal grills. If you’re one of these people, make sure your kitchen has proper ventilation; otherwise, have someone else cook food in the house.
A fully-functional and well-maintained HVAC system can make a big difference in your indoor environment. It will keep the temperature and humidity level in your house at a safe and comfortable level.
Some people can live comfortable lives even when dealing with COPD. Although COPD isn’t curable yet, there are many things you can do to ensure that the air you breathe in your home is clean enough to keep your COPD symptoms under control.