How does the air we breathe affect asthma?

Marie Bannister

Marie Bannister

March 4, 2022
Keep reading, check out our other articles below!

Health professionals believe that allergens in the air we breathe both cause asthma and trigger the condition. When you have asthma, your airways are already a little inflamed. Certain external factors, or ‘triggers’, are likely to further irritate your lungs and make these symptoms worse. These can include second-hand cigarette smoke and allergens such as dust mites, damp, mold, pollen, and pet hair8.

If your home is too humid, it could be a breeding ground for potential asthma triggers and allergens. Dust mites are more likely to thrive when the humidity in your home exceeds 50%10. These microscopic bugs like to live in soft furnishings. carpets, and bedding, causing allergic reactions11

Mold and mildew also flourish in high humidity. If you breathe in the spores, they can trigger asthma, whether you’re allergic to these substances or not12. Additionally, when the air is warm and humid, many people feel that breathing becomes harder work, so these conditions can cause them to breathe faster, which risks making symptoms worse13.       

High levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)  have been linked to asthma, for similar reasons to humidity. This greenhouse gas contributes to the proliferation of pollen and spores, both of which trigger the condition. CO2 fumes from engines, heaters, and other outlets may also irritate asthmatic lungs, making them more sensitive14.

People who have allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are at increased risk of developing asthma as the upper airway affects the lower part of the airway leading to the lungs. 

Without a doubt, air quality in your home can have a big impact on your health. Find out how to improve indoor air quality to help control asthma here →

 

Airthings-Asthma-Kit---Hero-Image---Front-with-Simplified-App_Asthma-inhaler_PM_GLOW_Transparent-small

View Pollution and Wave Mini Kit

Avoid asthma and allergy indoor air triggers with the View Pollution and Wave Mini.

 

Buy now

Our most popular products

View Plus

The most advanced smart air quality tech on the market measuring radon, particulate matter (PM), CO2, and more, plus a customizable display.
View Plus
View Plus $299

Wave Plus

The first battery-operated smart indoor air quality monitor with Radon detection, including sensors for temperature, air pressure, humidity, VOCs, and CO2.
Wave Plus
Wave Plus $229.99

Wave Radon

A smart radon detector with quick and accurate results on your smartphone.
Wave Radon
Wave Radon $199.99

Wave Mini

Now with mold risk indication! Wave Mini helps with asthma, allergies, sleep and overall health. The perfect first step to understanding health and comfort levels in any room.
Wave Mini
Wave Mini $79.99

Home

Meet Corentium Home by Airthings, a simple to use, battery-operated radon gas detector with display.
Home
Home $149.99

Hub

Complete the system. The Airthings Hub brings one or more devices online providing on-demand access to your indoor air quality (IAQ) data at anytime, from anywhere!

Radon map

Thousands of Radon sensors across the world, broken down by location. See your region's approximate risk level.

Explore

Thousands of Radon sensors across the world, broken down by location. See your region's approximate risk level.

Explore