10 Things for Asthmatics to Watch Out For

March 15, 2012 by Julia.

Filed under: Asthma Attack Triggers.

Tags: asthma attacks, asthma triggers, asthma irritants, asthma chemicals, asthma prevention, buy singulair online, asthma medication.

shower curtain

Asthmatics are often told by their doctors to watch out for their outdoor and indoor environments- they are often full of irritants that may cause an asthma attack. But did you know that the common household products you use every day may also be affecting your breathing? Be sure to check for these ten common irritants before buying your next floor cleaner, water bottle, or even face moisturizer! Dishonorable mentions include pillow protectors, toothpaste, and diapers.

Parabens – parabens are an emollient often found in cosmetics. Ladies, this one is for you. Foundation, eye shadows, mascaras and some moisturizers can all contain parabens.

Triclosan – This chemical is most often found in anti-bacterial soap. That includes common public bathroom soaps, hand sanitizer and those lovely scented soaps in your bathroom. However, you can find lots of different kids of soaps that are triclosan-free, so read your ingredients before buying.

Alkylphenols- These chemicals are often found in detergents. That could mean laundry detergent, or dishwasher detergent, but the main culprit is dryer sheets. Be sure to check out the ingredients before using dryer sheets on your clothes, and remember to wash cold! (It’s good for color staying, and the environment!)

UV Filters- For most people, UV filters are a good thing; you read everywhere how you should be wearing SPF 15 at all times. However, for asthmatics, the very chemicals that should be protecting your skin may be making it harder to breathe. This is a difficult choice, so if you haven’t noticed that your sunscreen of SPF makeup is making you wheeze, consider still wearing it…no one likes wrinkles and skin cancer!

BPA- In the last couple of years, BPA-free products have been all the rage, so you should have no trouble finding a BPA-free water bottle. For resealable containers, consider sticking to glass.

Cyclosiloxanes- These chemicals are also found in sunscreens, and are an oft-hidden ingredient in shampooes.

Phthalates- Similar to BPA, phthlates are found in plastic products such as water bottles, shower curtains (this can get bad with a steamy shower!) and

Fragrances- This is kind of an obvious one. Stick to fragrance free deodorant, shampoo etc. If you really want to smell nice for a night out, try an essential oil blend. Heavily scented, but they don’t float in the air like a spray does. Some places will even make a personal blend for you!

Glycol Ethers and Ethanolamines - These are most often found in cleaning products and cosmetics. A good option for an asthmatic is to find an all-natural cleaning line (here’s to hoping it won’t irritate your lungs!) and sticking to it. People were cleaning long before the existence of bleach, there is definitely a movement trying to get back to that.

Remember to keep in touch with your doctors about your symptoms. They may tell you to buy Singulair online, an asthma medication that will over time, reduce your symptoms of asthma and make breathing easier. Be sure to keep a fast-acting inhaler such as generic Advair on you at all times in case of an unexpected environmental irritant.

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