A growing number of Americans are sniffling and suffering with allergies and asthma. Several studies have shown that air pollution and indoor allergens make asthma symptoms worse and can bring on an asthma attack. If you’re one of the 23 million Americans who suffer from asthma, you might get some relief by taking steps to reduce indoor allergen levels and modifying your lifestyle to avoid the ill effects of air pollution.

Children with a family history of allergies and asthma are more likely to have asthma. Exposure to triggers in the environment, including allergens, pollutants and viral infections, also play a role. “The rapid increase in asthma cases from the late 1970s cannot be attributed to genetics alone,” says Dr. Peter Gergen, medical officer at NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “Changes in the environment, home surroundings and exposure to infections have also contributed to the prevalence of asthma.”

Understanding what makes asthma worse can help asthma sufferers keep their disease in check. A recent study found that people with asthma and allergies may be able to alleviate asthma symptoms by reducing allergen levels in their homes.

“Some simple measures – washing bedding in hot water, vacuuming and steam-cleaning, and using high efficiency particulate air purifiers (HEPA) and mattress and pillow covers that do not allow allergens to pass through can decrease the levels of household allergens,” Gergen says.

If you have questions about asthma or allergies, or if you would like information on asthma or allergy medications, contact Travis Holshouser or Jennifer Church.