It started with a wheeze. Sarah, a mum of two living in Colchester, assumed it was just a cold affecting her five-year-old son. But the coughing became constant, and nights were restless. After multiple GP visits, he was diagnosed with asthma. As Sarah learned more about the condition, she realised that the very home they’d poured love into was filled with hidden asthma triggers — from dust mites in the carpets to mould growing silently behind a bathroom cabinet.

Every year on the first Tuesday of May, World Asthma Day brings attention to the 339 million people worldwide living with asthma — a condition that doesn’t just live in the lungs, but within the walls of our homes. In the UK, asthma affects around 8 million people, or 1 in 12 adults and children, with hospital admissions peaking in colder months due to poor air quality and damp indoor environments.

Understanding Asthma Triggers in the Home

Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways that can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors — many of which are shockingly common in UK households:

• Damp and mould: These can release allergens into the air and are significant asthma triggers. Mould often lurks in poorly ventilated bathrooms, kitchens, or lofts.

• Dust mites: Found in soft furnishings, carpets, and bedding, these microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments.

• Pet dander: Even homes without pets may harbour allergens brought in via clothing or previous occupants.

• Cleaning chemicals: Harsh household products with strong fragrances can irritate the airways, especially in children.

• Poor ventilation: Insufficient airflow contributes to pollutant build-up indoors, which can aggravate respiratory symptoms.

According to the NHS, asthma symptoms lead to over 60,000 emergency hospital admissions in the UK each year — and many of these could be prevented with better home hygiene and air quality management.

Cleanliness Is More Than Cosmetic

Clean homes don’t just look good — they support better health. In asthma-prone households, regular deep cleaning and attention to problem areas can significantly reduce the risk of flare-ups. For instance, using hypoallergenic cleaning products, keeping humidity levels in check, and tackling areas prone to mould and dust build-up are all essential steps.

But maintaining this level of cleanliness — especially in hard-to-reach or problematic areas like extractor fans, underfloor insulation, or loft spaces — can be difficult for busy families or older homeowners.

That’s where a professional service can help. At Infinity Home Services, we understand the importance of not just maintaining a house, but ensuring it’s a healthy place to live. Whether it’s treating damp patches, deep-cleaning domestic spaces, or improving ventilation systems, we support families in North Essex and South Suffolk to breathe easier at home.

Human Support, Not Just Technical Fixes

Beyond the bricks and mortar, asthma affects lives. Children miss school, parents lose sleep, and families face the stress of managing an unpredictable illness. Providing a safe, clean environment is one way of regaining control — and offering peace of mind.

Sometimes, it’s not just about removing the dust — it’s about lifting a weight off someone’s shoulders.

By working with skilled, empathetic professionals, homeowners can reduce health risks and feel confident their home isn’t silently harming their loved ones. Infinity Home Services brings not just technical expertise, but a human touch to every visit.

Creating an Asthma-Friendly Home

As we reflect on World Asthma Day, it’s worth asking: is your home helping or hindering your family’s health?

If you or someone in your household lives with asthma, consider reviewing your living environment:

• Check for hidden damp and mould.

• Vacuum with a HEPA filter regularly.

• Wash bedding and soft furnishings at high temperatures.

• Use unscented, asthma-friendly cleaning products.

• Ensure rooms are well-ventilated.

These steps, while simple, can be life-changing.

World Asthma Day is a timely reminder that health begins at home. By understanding the triggers that exist within our own walls and taking proactive steps to address them, we can build safer, healthier living spaces for ourselves and those we love.

Is it time to take a fresh look at your home through the lens of asthma? Infinity Home Services can offer a range of services from day-to-day cleaning through to mould removal and prevention to help lighten the load. Simply complete the form below, or call us today on Description Edit 0800 148 8088.