Anxiety
Worries and anxiety can have a big impact on asthma control. Breathing techniques, changing breathing patterns and mindfulness can be a useful way to manage anxiety.
Click links below for more information:
Newham CAMHS (Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service) also runs a pop-up on Saturdays to talk through things and see what help there is available. You can book an online appointment via This Link
Indoor and Outdoor Air Pollution
Indoor:
Mould and damp
Common in bedrooms, living rooms and bathrooms, especially around windows, sills and ceilings. Removal with specialist chemical removers, ensuring you wear protective clothing and gloves, and keep all family members with asthma away until cleaning is completed.
For social housing issues such as damp/mould that has not been rectified when raised, try:
- Tenants' Advice on 08000472017. www.tenantsadvice.co.uk
Over-crowded accommodation
Newham Shelter have good advice and support online.
House Dust Mite
New pillows/duvets that have protectors. Change them if they become flat or stained. Anti-allergy products can be bought from supermarkets and online. Wash linen (preferably cotton) at 60 degrees.
Mattress – regular vacuum and protect with a mattress protector as above. Keep soft toys to a minimum on beds (freeze or wash on a regular basis). If you have a bunk bed, sleep on the top.
Open bedroom windows when at home. Hoover carpets regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum, or look at non-carpet flooring.
Aerosol sprays
Things you spray, like deodorant, perfume, cleaning products and air fresheners, can all be triggers. Please unplug all plug-ins, and use non-spray methods of cleaning products/deodorant etc.
Outdoor:
Air Pollution
Air pollution can have a serious effect on asthma control, and the borough has high levels. There are air pollution apps, and further information can be found at:
Hay fever
Hat with cap, sunglasses, anti-histamine products such as nasal spray, tablets and creams. Pollution/pollen/weather apps to show daily levels.
Learn more about hayfever by reading our fact sheet
Smoking
If adults in the home smoke inside or outside, this makes it much it more difficult to control asthma symptoms, and more likely that the child will have asthma attacks, even when they use a preventer medicine. The best thing you can do is quit smoking. See the Stop Smoking Support Letter here
If you have asthma, it’s best to not start smoking.
Please see links below for more information: