How to Improve Indoor Air Quality for Asthma

Welcome to the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations podcast. We continue our two-part series examining indoor air quality. We explain what is in the air inside your home and why it matters for people with asthma, allergies and eczema.

In part two of the series, our co-hosts Payel Gupta, MD, and Kortney share practical advice and tips to make your indoor air cleaner, whether at home, school or work. Kortney talks about a practice she loves called Lüften, or “house burping” in the United States. They talk about cleaning tips and go room by room with simple steps you can take at home.

This series is part of the EXHALE project. EXHALE is a set of six strategies designed to help people with asthma breathe easier and live healthier. This series supports the last “E” in EXHALE: reducing asthma triggers in indoor spaces.

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This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Any mention of brands is also informational and not an endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical questions or concerns.

Key takeaways about how to improve indoor air quality

We spend about 90% of our time indoors. The air inside our homes can sometimes be worse than the air outside. For people with asthma, allergies, or eczema, poor indoor air can make symptoms worse. This episode explains how you can improve your indoor air quality.

  • Ventilation helps clear out stale air. Open your windows fully for 5 to 10 minutes instead of cracking them all day.
  • Keep humidity between 30% and 50%. This helps control dust mites and mold.
  • Each room needs different care. Focus on dust mites in the bedroom and mold in the bathroom and kitchen.
  • Choose the right cleaning tools and products. Use fragrance-free products, HEPA vacuums, and avoid scented candles.
  • You can advocate for better air at school and work. Ask about ventilation and air filters in your child’s classroom or your office.

Podcast timestamps on how to make indoor air quality better

01:38 – Ventilation, aka Lüften, aka “house burping”

04:38 – Ventilation during pollen season 

05:38 – Air purifiers 

08:37 – Cleaning products and air quality 

11:42 – Bedroom air quality tips 

14:06 – Dust mite tips 

18:44 – Vacuuming tips 

19:26 – Can plants purify the air? 

20:52 – Living room tips 

21:35 – Bathroom and kitchen tips 

24:23 – Air quality at school 

26:53 – Air quality at work 

29:20 – Overview of tips to improve indoor air quality

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