Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes recurrent symptoms, including coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma triggers include allergies or exposure to irritants in the air (including tobacco smoke). Children with asthma are at risk of having severe attacks that can result in hospitalization. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that in 2021, 38.7% of children with asthma aged 18 and under experienced one or more asthma attacks. The incidence was higher in children under 5, with about 63.1% having an attack. Despite a decline in asthma attacks from 2001 to 2020, as reported by the CDC, it’s estimated that half of the children with asthma still have uncontrolled asthma. Continue reading to learn how Mold Assessment Services can provide expert testing to improve indoor air quality.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), asthma is a common condition in the United States, affecting an estimated 26 million Americans. This number includes approximately 6 million children. Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses among children, leading to around 13.8 million missed school days each year.
Asthma in children is a growing concern, with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) estimating that approximately 6 million kids in the U.S. suffer from this chronic lung disease. The triggers for asthma attacks, such as mold, dust mites, pet dander, and tobacco smoke, highlight the crucial role of maintaining good indoor air quality. Mold Assessment Services offers expert testing to identify these triggers, helping to improve the living conditions for asthma sufferers and reduce the frequency of attacks.
Major Triggers for Asthma
Major asthma triggers include mold, dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander, and pollen. Smoking is also a significant trigger for asthma attacks because it irritates the lungs and makes them more susceptible to allergens. Sudden temperature changes can cause an attack as well. It can happen when you go from being in a heated area like your home or car into an air-conditioned space like an office building or movie theater where the air conditioning is at full blast.
Exercise is also essential in preventing asthma attacks because it helps strengthen your lungs so they become less sensitive to allergens and other irritants that may cause an asthma attack.
Knowing What to Expect
You can prevent asthma attacks by avoiding your triggers. If you have asthma, here are some things you can do:
- Know the symptoms of asthma.
- Know the triggers of your asthma.
- Be alert to signs of an attack so you can take action immediately.
- Get help directly—go to an emergency room or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
You cannot get enough oxygen into your body on your own (this includes not being able to breathe because of mucus buildup).
Asthma Affects Nearly 6 Million Kids in the U.S.
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting the airways, making breathing hard. Most people with asthma have symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath when they exercise or are around something that triggers their asthma.
You may be more likely to develop asthma if you:
- Have allergies or family members who have allergies or other lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
- Live in areas with high pollution levels (like cities) or where many allergens (like furry pets) exist.
- Are overweight as an adult because extra weight puts more stress on your lungs and makes it harder for them to get enough oxygen into your bloodstream.
Indoor Air quality testing is an essential part of managing chronic lung disease in children, especially asthma. Environmental health significantly impacts respiratory disorders like asthma, necessitating regular home inspections. Mold remediation is a critical step in reducing allergic reactions and improving overall health and wellness in homes. A comprehensive health evaluation can identify risks from airborne irritants and suggest effective preventative measures.
Indoor Air Quality Inspections
Indoor Air Quality Inspections can help you identify any contaminants in your home. Poor indoor air quality and moisture control problems can cause various health issues. Houses with mold are five times more likely to have occupants with asthma than those without mold problems.
A professional Indoor Air Quality Inspector will check for healthy levels of carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, and other factors that can impact the health of your home and family. This air quality inspection allows testing for common health issues such as asthma and allergies. And learn about potential risks for developing respiratory illnesses.
MAS Can Help You Clear the Air with Advanced Indoor Air Quality Inspection Services
As you can see, asthma is a severe condition that affects millions of children. Since it is essential to know the symptoms to get your child to a doctor if they are having trouble breathing, it’s important to have an indoor air quality inspection done so we can assess whether there are any contaminates present in your home or work environment. If we find mold growth on your property and believe that it could be causing health risks due to exposure, we will provide you with the information that you need in order to hold someone accountable for the damage caused by their negligence.
If you notice mold in your home or work environment, it’s essential to get it checked out by an expert. If you’re worried about the health risks of mold exposure and want to find out what high-quality mold inspection services can do for you, contact us today at 305-244-7379 or fill out the form to contact us.