Working Together for
Healthier Communities
Who is CVAC?Our Mission:
To improve the healthand well being of peoplewith asthma througheducation, advocacy,networking, andpromotion of activities toreduce the effects ofasthma in ourcommunity.
What is Asthma?
• Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult
• Nobody knows what causes asthma, but it does tend to run in families
• Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled by:– Medicines– Reducing “triggers” in the home.
• Who knows someone with asthma?
www.healasthma.com.png
Asthma Symptoms
Medications for AsthmaQuick-relief medications
• Commonly called an “inhaler” or “puffer’
• Used to provide “quick relief” of asthma symptoms by relaxing airway muscles
• Should be used with a spacer
Medications for AsthmaController or Long-acting
medications• Reduce the inflammation and swelling
• Taken EVERY day – even when there are no symptoms
• These medicines come in pills, inhalers, and diskus (example below)
Dust
Smoke
Exhaust
Pollen
Asthma Triggers
Pets or Furry or Hairy Animals
Roach Dust
Strong Smells
Mold
Asthma Triggers
smog picture from CDC
Colds or Flu
Poor Air Quality
Asthma Triggers
Indoor Asthma TriggersDust mites
Mold
Cockroaches
Furry or hairy animals
Chemical irritants i.e. cleaning agents, perfumes, pesticides, etc.
Outdoor pollutants inside
Secondhand smoke
Why do we worry about environmental asthma
triggers?
Environmental Asthma Triggers
• Cause allergic reactions which trigger flare-ups
• Cause irritation of airways resulting in inflammation
• Can be lessened to decrease environmental exposure
What are Dust Mites?
• You can’t see them with your eye
• They live off of dead skin flakes from people
• The skin flakes and droppings of the dust mites are the asthma trigger
• All people with allergic asthma are allergic to dust mites
What can I do to reduce Dust Mites?
• Cover mattress, box spring and pillows in dust mite proof coverings
• Wash sheets weekly in hot water• Keep stuffed toys off the bed (or 1 only)
• Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture weekly using (HEPA) vacuum
• Keep indoor humidity low• Use shades instead of curtains
Other ideas• Air out bedding until dry and cool before making
the bed• Put a blanket between the child and sleeping
surface then air the blanket• Rotate stuffed toys one at a time after
vacationing in the freezer for 24hours first• Instead of washing AND drying, you can put
blankets in the dryer for 20 minutes on hot• If no air conditioner, crack window when
showering or bathing
What is Mold?• Mold is a plant fungus• It needs warmth and
moisture to grow• Favorite spots:
– Bathroom tile & grout around the tub or toilet
– Under the sink– Refrigerator drip pan
and seal on the door– Leaky pipes or after
water spills (anywhere)
What can I do about Mold?
• Try to keep humidity down• Clean up leaks and spills within 24-48 hrs.• Open a window or use exhaust fan when
showering or bathing• Scrub mold off of hard surfaces with soap
& water – ¾ cup of bleach to a gallon of water will kill
most mildew (use with ventilation & gloves)
What can I do (cont’d)
• If there are destroyed flooring or ceiling tiles ask housing if they can replace
• Keep refrigerator drip pan clean– Inspect for mold and clean monthly
• Potted plants-– use plastic pots-no standing water
• Don’t use a humidifier unless doctor orders (clean daily)
• Vent clothes dryer outside
Cockroaches
1. Starve them out
2. Dry them out
3. Keep them out
4. Don’t use Pesticides
The keys to controlling roaches
KEEPOUT
(Roaches: this means YOU)
2005 Cockroach Control Guide
What can I do about Roaches?
1. Starve them out:• Don’t leave food out or open – store food in
sealed containers• Wipe kitchen counters after cooking• Clean up crumbs and eating surfaces • Try not to eat in the sleeping area• Soak dirty dishes in soapy water if you
can’t wash them right away• Keep trash in closed container and take out
every day
What can I do about Roaches?
2. Dry them out:• Clean up spilled water• Try not to over water
plants• Ask housing manager to
fix leaky pipes
2005 Cockroach Guide
What can I do about Roaches? (cont’d)
3. Keep them out:
• Try to limit clutter – Toss grocery bags, boxes
etc• Seal holes around pipes• Can add weather
stripping around doors• Use window screens if
possible
What can I do about Roaches? (cont’d)
4. Don’t use pesticides:
• Do not use roach bug sprays, foggers or bombs, as they have strong smells
• Instead, use roach baits, gel or traps & replace them as directed on the box
Pets and Furry or Hairy Animals
The skin flakes of furry animals are an
asthma trigger.
• Cats are the leading cause of pet allergies!
• Keep pets out of the child’s sleeping area & off of furniture
• Wash hands after touching furry animals
• Bathe pets frequently
Mice or Rats
The droppings of mice and rats become part of household dust, and are inhaled.
• Use traps, don’t use poison • Keep food in closed containers, seal cracks
and openings, and clean up spills
Chemical Irritants
• Chemicals and sprays can irritate the airways and cause an asthma episode
• Don’t use strong smelling cleaning products without good ventilation
• Keep children away while cleaning
• DON’T USE PESTICIDES
Trapped Pollutants
Winter• If you cover your windows, make sure the plastic
isn’t too tight. Some air flow is needed.• If there are furnace filters, change regularly • Always use exhaust fan or crack window when
cooking– Gas stoves produce irritants– Cooking fumes can irritate sensitive lungs
Trapped Pollutants
Winter (cont)
• Kerosene heaters– Use only recommended fuel i.e. no gasoline– Make sure ventilation is adequate
• Cracked window or exhaust fan • Place heater in fireplace with external venting• Choose external vented type if possible
Trapped Pollutants
Summer• Monitor air quality reports on the news- ozone is
VERY irritating• Open windows at night and close them during the
day if there is not air conditioning– Air quality is usually better at night
DEQ Ozone Air Quality Index Green
Good
0-50 Good air quality ozone in the healthy range.
YellowModerate
51 to 100
Moderate air quality - ozone at moderate levels. Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion.
OrangeUnhealthy for
Sensitive Groups
101 to 150
Air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups - active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
RedUnhealthy
151 to 200
Unhealthy air quality - active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
PurpleVery Unhealthy
201 to 300
Very unhealthy air quality - active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion
Trapped Pollutants
Summer
• If window air conditioners are used, make sure that the vent is open to allow exchange of air
• If possible, clean filters
• Use exhaust fan or crack the window when cooking
Second Hand Smoke
Second Hand Cigarette Smoke
• It is a major asthma trigger that sends children to the Emergency Room
• Smoke chemicals remain on clothing and in your car and can cause symptoms
• What can you do to decrease your child’s exposure?– Don’t smoke inside the home or car– Ask visitors to smoke outside– If family member must smoke use an old shirt
outside and take if off before entering the house
This Child Is Smoking!