COPD is a serious respiratory condition that can cause considerable problems for many seniors. And while improving indoor air quality may not eliminate the risk of developing COPD, it can help improve some of its symptoms. In turn, this can help improve the quality of life for many seniors suffering from COPD. Take a look at these strategies for improving indoor air quality at home.
Indoor Air Quality and Risk Factors for COPD
Many factors can contribute to an increased risk of having harmful indoor air quality. These include poor ventilation, dust and dirt build-up, airborne allergens like pet dander or mold spores, and chemical pollutants from aerosols and cleaning products. All of these variables may increase the risk of COPD symptoms in seniors.
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Taking action to improve indoor air quality can alleviate some of the risks and symptoms associated with COPD.Here’s how you can do that.
Regularly Change Air Filters
Making sure to regularly check and replace filters in heating and cooling systems is one of the most important measures you can take toward improving indoor air quality. This can help reduce dust and other debris circulating around your home, particularly if these components are equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming carpets and floors on a regular basis can help remove dust and allergens from the home. As part of the vacuuming routine, make sure to check underneath furniture and in corners. Many modern vacuums feature HEPA filtration systems, which keep dirt filtered inside for optimal indoor air quality.
Use an Air Purifier
Use an air purifier or a device with HEPA filtration in specific rooms to reduce airborne pollutants in the home. An air purifier can offer more support than the standard filters in your HVAC system alone.
Avoid Using Aerosol Sprays
Avoid using aerosol sprays to clean surfaces or freshen the air. These products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can further irritate COPD symptoms.
Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Choose natural or plant-based cleaning products whenever possible. While these may not be as widely available in some areas, many stores carry - and even specialize in - natural alternatives to standard household cleaners. You can even make your very own products from things you can buy from the market.
Avoid Burning Candles and Incense
Burning candles and incense can be very enjoyable in certain situations, but the smoke and fumes may irritate COPD symptoms. To err on the side of caution, avoid using these items indoors as much as possible.
Ban Smoking Inside
Cigarette smoke and second-hand smoke can be particularly troublesome for COPD sufferers, so it's essential to make sure that there is no smoking taking place inside your house.
Get Additional Support for COPD Sufferers
Patients suffering from COPD may find that they need increasing amounts of help around the house. Often, as symptoms increase, patients with COPD will find it more difficult to take care of their homes, manage daily self-care tasks, and more. At Senior Helpers Aurora-Geneva, we help seniors in the Geneva, Aurora, Plainfield, and Oswego area with daily tasks, including providing companionship visits or overnight care. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you or a senior loved one in need of additional care to remain comfortably in their home.