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?

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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!