Asthma is a long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It causes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and narrow, which can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
For many people, asthma attacks can happen suddenly and may even become life-threatening. Although asthma is often thought of as a childhood disease, most people living with asthma in the United States are actually adults.
Managing asthma usually involves medication, but the environment inside the home also plays a major role in triggering symptoms.
A new large study focusing on adults with asthma has found that simple changes in the home—such as improving airflow with fans, air purifiers, and exhaust systems—can significantly reduce the risk of flare-ups.
The research looked at how indoor living conditions affect asthma symptoms among adults across Texas, a state with a wide range of climates and housing types. Texas was chosen because many homes rely heavily on air conditioning during hot months.
While air conditioning keeps homes cool, it also reduces fresh air circulation, which can trap dust, smoke, mold, and other pollutants indoors.
The researchers analyzed information from about 1,600 adults with asthma collected between 2019 and 2022. They examined how different home conditions were linked to asthma attacks, frequent symptoms, sleep disturbances, and limits on daily activities.
The results showed that two of the biggest triggers inside the home were the lack of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms and exposure to cigarette smoke. Without proper ventilation, moisture and cooking fumes can build up indoors, encouraging mold growth and increasing air pollution levels.
The study also found that people who smoked or lived with smokers were more likely to have asthma attacks and ongoing symptoms. Homes without air purifiers were linked to worse breathing problems as well.
In contrast, people living in homes free from mold, pests such as mice or rats, and furry pets tended to experience fewer asthma issues. This suggests that cleaner indoor air and fewer allergens can make a major difference in how well asthma is controlled.
Another important finding was that certain groups—including women, older adults, and Black adults—experienced more severe asthma problems than others. The researchers believe this may be related to differences in income, housing quality, and access to medical care.
Older buildings and low-cost housing are more likely to have ventilation problems, dampness, or pest infestations, all of which can worsen asthma symptoms.
The researchers suggested several ways to reduce asthma risks at home. Financial assistance could help low-income families purchase air purifiers or improve ventilation.
Renters could benefit from stronger housing rules that require landlords to maintain safe air conditions. Education from healthcare providers could also help patients learn how to identify and remove asthma triggers such as dust, mold, and pet hair from their homes.
Adults spend most of their time indoors, often as much as 90 percent of the day. Unfortunately, indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than outdoor air, especially in tightly sealed buildings.
This means that improving home air quality could have a powerful effect on health. Simple actions such as using kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, avoiding indoor smoking, keeping homes clean, and reducing moisture can lower the chances of asthma attacks.
Overall, the study highlights that managing asthma is not only about medication but also about creating a healthier living environment. While the findings are encouraging, the study was based on survey data, which means it shows connections rather than proving direct cause and effect.
Still, the large number of participants and the consistency with previous research suggest that improving home ventilation and air quality is a practical and effective strategy for many adults with asthma.
Future studies may explore how these changes work in different regions and whether specific interventions can further reduce asthma-related hospital visits and improve quality of life.
If you care about lung, please read studies about a review of COPD-friendly foods for lung health, and can Vitamin C and E help fight lung cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how diet influences lung health, and these vegetables could benefit your lung health.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
