Environmental preventions to use for asthma patients
March 1, 2001 2 minutes read
Environmental preventions to use for asthma patients
There are easy, inexpensive methods that can improve the environment for asthmatics, according to Jessica Lopez, RRT, respiratory therapy educator for the ED at Hemet (CA) Valley Medical Center. Lopez recommends sharing the following tips with patients and their families:
- One bottle boric acid solution (8 oz) added to water (2-3 gallons) only in steam cleaner. Clean 9x15 room. If carpets need to be cleaned; clean carpets, then rinse carpet thoroughly once with water only, then use boric acid solution. Allow carpet to dry thoroughly. Use solution every three months.
- Cover pillows and mattress with zippered plastic covers.
- In central heat and air system, change disposable filters every month if possible or every three months without fail. Washable-type filters should be cleaned monthly and allowed to dry completely before returning. When washable filters no longer fluff up, replace them. (3M now has a filter that picks up even 0.4 mc particles such as viruses.)
- Cleaning and disinfecting household surfaces can be done using one part white vinegar and one part tap water. Wipe down surfaces in kitchen bathroom, play areas, and any washable surface. Allow to dry thoroughly.
- Weekly, remove bedspread comforter, pillows, and stuffed animals from room. Hang on clothesline for two hours or place in dryer on "air fluff" for 20 minutes to remove dust and dander from these items.
- Change bedding weekly. Wash bedding in hot water and dry thoroughly. Vacuum mattress if not covered with plastic. If there is a cover on the mattress, wipe down with vinegar solution.
Sources and resources
For more information about asthma education programs, contact:
• Rita K. Cydulka, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Room S1-203, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109. Telephone: (216) 778-5088. Fax: (216) 778-5349. E-mail: [email protected].
• Jessica F. Lopez, RRT, Hemet Valley Medical Center, 1117 E. Devonshire Ave., Hemet, CA 92543. Telephone: (909) 766-6450. Fax: (909) 766-6466. E-mail: [email protected].
• Barbara Weintraub, RN, MPH, MSN, Northwest Community Hospital, 800 W. Central Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Telephone: (847) 618-5432. Fax: (847) 618-5419. E-mail: [email protected].
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (NIH Publication 97-4051) is available on the Web site (www.nhlbi.nih.gov; click on "clinical guidelines") or for $7 for single copies, plus $2 shipping and handling. An abbreviated version of the guidelines, Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (NIH Publication 97-4053), also is available free on the Web site or for $5 for single copies, with no shipping and handling charges for orders under $6. To order, contact:
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Information Center, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105. Telephone: (301) 592-8573. Fax: (301) 592-8563. Web: www.nhlbi.nih.gov.
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