When a cough just won't go away
5 Ways Black Folks Can Manage Asthma Triggers
People with asthma, especially those living in urban areas and members of Black communities, have unique challenges. These communities have a greater incidence and severity of asthma symptoms due to factors including higher levels of air pollution, indoor allergens, and environmental pollutants. To properly manage asthma triggers, one must be knowledgeable, resilient, and take preventive steps. Let's discuss five strategies that have been effective in helping Black adults and youths manage asthma triggers in less-than-ideal settings, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life.
1. Awareness & EducationKnowing what sets off an asthma attack is the first step in managing the condition. Air pollution, mold, and cockroach allergens are ubiquitous, and educational programs targeted at Black communities may educate people about them.
People may take the required steps to limit their exposure to these triggers and alleviate their asthma symptoms by being more aware of them.
2. Indoor Air QualityWhen it comes to asthma attacks, indoor air quality is a major factor. To keep interior spaces healthy, it is important to promote adequate ventilation, clean often, and reduce the use of cleaning products containing chemicals.
Through the organization of seminars and information sessions, Black communities may benefit from community-led initiatives that promote clean indoor air by exchanging practical advice and low-cost cleaning options.
RELATED: When Should You See an Asthma Specialist?
3. Environmental JusticeTo control asthma triggers, it is essential to deal with the increased air pollution in cities.
One way to lessen the impact of pollutants that induce asthma is to fight for sustainable urban planning and environmental justice. Local government officials should be approached by Black communities via community groups, through conversations with Black communities, and through advocacy for better air standards in Black areas.
4. Allergen ControlAllergens to mold and cockroaches are typical asthma triggers. Reducing the frequency and severity of asthma episodes may be achieved by implementing tactics to limit certain allergies.
Effective techniques for allergy prevention include investing in regular cleaning and maintenance, storing food properly, and sealing any
5 Things To Know About Asthma And Summer Heat
StatePoint
Nearly 25 million people of all ages in the United States are living with asthma, a lifelong chronic disease that makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs.
Here's what the American Lung Association wants everyone to know during summer, when extreme heat can make asthma harder to manage.
1. New challenges are emerging.
Beyond traditional asthma triggers like respiratory infections, secondhand smoke and pets, new challenges are emerging. The effects of climate change include extreme heat, poor air quality, increased allergens, extreme weather events, and more frequent and intense wildfires, all of which are making asthma more difficult to manage.
Excessive heat and humidity increase the risk of asthma exacerbations, asthma-related hospitalization and asthma-related death, especially for children and women. Patients should limit time outdoors during heat waves, seek access to air conditioning and take steps to improve indoor air quality, as humidity allows dust mites and mold to thrive.
2. City dwellers are particularly vulnerable.
Two-thirds of the average U.S. City is made up of roads, parking spaces, sidewalks and roofs. Since these surfaces are typically dark and non-porous, they contribute to flooding, increased air pollution, poor health and what is known as "urban heat," a phenomenon in which cities experience warmer temperatures than surrounding areas. Urban heat, combined with pollutants from power plants, motor vehicles and other pollution sources, creates ozone pollution, also known as smog. Those with asthma can experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing from both ground-level ozone and particle pollution, as well as from the impacts of extreme weather and airborne allergens.
Sadly, these issues disproportionally impact certain communities. Due to a history of discriminatory practices like systematic denial of mortgages, insurance loans, and other financial services on the basis of race and ethnicity, Black and Indigenous people, and other people of color, are more likely to be living in areas impacted by urban heat and poor air quality.
3. Flooding can harm lung health.
Increased severe storms due to climate change results in more flooding, which can harm lung health. Chemicals, sewage, oil, gas and other dangerous substances found in floodwaters can pose health risks, and mold, associated with asthma attacks, can grow anywhere there is water or dampness.
4. Advocacy efforts are underway.
The Smart Surfaces Coalition is made up of 40 national and international organizations committed to making Smart Surfaces the global urban design standard. Smart Surfaces encompass a suite of cutting-edge technologies, including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, trees, solar panels and rain gardens. Designed to mitigate urban heat, enhance air quality and improve health, these transformative urban features can cool cities by 5 degrees F, reduce flooding, provide economic benefits and potentially advance environmental justice.
The American Lung Association, an active member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, encourages cities to take these actions:
Other strategies to reduce urban heat, air pollution and ozone levels include using public transportation carpooling, increasing green spaces and installing cooling centers in extreme conditions.
5. Resources are available.
Educational programming can help people better manage the disease in summer and year-round. Patients can check out the self-management education programs, information and tools available at Lung.Org/asthma or call the American Lung Association's Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA. Living with an illness, or being the caretaker to someone who is, can take a physical and emotional toll. Patients can get support and knowledge, and connect with others by joining the Lung Association's Patient & Caregiver Network.
For the 24.8 million Americans living with asthma, extreme summer temperatures and emerging environmental threats can make life more difficult. Fortunately, new educational resources and expanded programming can help patients navigate new and old challenges alike.
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Keep Pesky Mold Out During Spring And Summer
With summer ahead, don't let mold affect you or your family.
According to Live Health online, mold grows quickly in hot or humid places. According to Cindy High, owner of United Water Restoration, it can grow in other places as well where one might not expect it to.
"I left a couple zucchinis in my refrigerator," she said. "It's a cold place and you wouldn't think it would be that moist, but there was mold all over them and I had to throw them out. So, mold is always a challenge and can be in spots you wouldn't think."
High offers tips and tricks to help avoid mold growth, in turn, keeping you safe as the seasons change.
Check for a water loss in your homeA water loss can be caused by leaky water supply lines. This can cause sitting water in various places. Oftentimes this happens behind a dishwasher to where it isn't easily detectable. Before you know it, you're coughing and sneezing because there is likely mold present.
"To avoid [mold growth]," High said, "number one is check for a water loss. This could be anything from a roof leak, a burst pipe, toilet overflow, bathtub overflow or the famous dishwasher leaks or refrigerator leaks that can get behind walls."
"Water in the home is bad," High emphasized.
Don't wait to call a restoration companyHigh says people wait too long to call a restoration company. If you detect sitting water, or water stains on walls, call. Most of the time, you can't clean it up efficiently enough to avoid the growth of mold.
"I am a do-it-yourself person myself," ahw said. "People might say, 'oh well I'm just going to clean this water up, it probably didn't go far. Then later, you find water stains, a musty smell and you suspect something is wrong. Don't wait. Call."
Don't fret about costs. Most companies give free assessments on mold and water issues, which is a great way to avoid further potential problems and higher costs down the road."Most reputable companies like us will come out and give free assessments," High said. "We will come out and see if what you have going on isn't much of anything or if we should go further looking into the problem."
Renter? No problemAs of 2023 approximately 35% of people in America live in apartments. In Charlotte alone, 47% of people rent apartments or houses. This brings about another issue since renters don't have authority to make changes to the home or apartment in terms of restoration.
"The property manager or the owner has to make these types of decisions and changes," High said. "First thing is first, go to your property manager and say there is an issue. Put it in writing to them that you suspect there is a problem. Let the property owners know they need to have an assessment."
One thing renters can do without approval of a property manager is have an air quality test run in their living space, which can be provided to the property manager as evidence. Air quality tests range from $100-$400 but help provide proof that further action needs to be taken in order to make the property livable again.
"If they want an air quality test done, they can certainly do that and include that in your documentation to the property manager," High said. "The tenant has to pay for this, but it is relatively low cost compared to further restoration."
Stay alertThe biggest tip is to be aware. If you find yourself coughing or sneezing, it could be allergies, or you may have a mold issue. If you suffer from asthma and have attacks in certain parts of your house, there may be a mold issue.
"If I can breathe fine in a hotel room but not my own bedroom, there has to be an issue somewhere," High said. "It is all about finding out there is an issue and taking action to eliminate it. It isn't always easy. I run a restoration company and I have had major mold issues myself and have done a lot to fix them."
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