Other great vegan businesses, organisations and people working to be part of the solution....(and important info about additives & allergens)
We believe, here at Ananda Foods, that being 'vegan' simply isn't enough. We strive to be ethical, sustainable and honest. We trade with compassion & fairness and provide support to a number of people, organisations and charities. Here are some of them, organisations, like minded people, businesses and sources of further information on vegetarian and vegan diets, products, additives, allergies, blogs and charities you may like to support or access. (This is a work in progress, by no means complete) If you have any suggestions for inclusion; let us know...
"We as beings will never be free until we end the violence we do to other beings. Ignorance in this age is no excuse, the evidence is plain to see....."
Feed Them All - working hard to support those struggling with poverty, isolation, mental health and/or abuse.
Checkout feedthemall.co.uk
Another fantastic group working to offer support where it's needed is BASE & Roses Mutual Aid
https://network23.org/kebele2/2020/04/21/support-base-and-roses/
FB: www.facebook.com/BASEandRoses
Crowdfunder: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/baseandroses2
The Animal Justice Project - If you are not familiar with their work, the AJP are a non-profit organisation working to end the use and exploitation of animals on both farms and in laboratories, though undercover investigations, consumer outreach, lobbying and pressure campaigns. You can find out more here:
https://animaljusticeproject.com/campaigns/
animaljusticeproject.com
lifelinecampaign.org
thefoultruth.org
expiredcampaign.org
New to being Vegan, or considering it? --- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetarian-and-vegan-mistakes
Thinking of travelling?: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/vegan-travel-guide/
VIVA! - Viva! campaigns for a vegetarian/vegan world because most farmed animals spend their short and miserable lives in the filth of factory farms and are killed with sickening barbarity. They expose this abuse by secretly going inside these shameful places and filming the suffering – publicising it with nationwide campaigns that bring about change. Viva act for change and education within society. Equip yourself at vivashop.org.uk/whyyoudontneeddairy
ANONYMOUS -FOR THE- VOICELESS - fighting and campaigning for animal liberation through activism & education.
Hunt Sabs - what can we say?...they put themselves in harms way to protect the indigenous wildlife of this country AND try to uphold the anti-hunt law when the police and corrupt officials refuse to. Check out the new #peaky sabs
The UK Medical Freedom Alliance https://www.ukmedfreedom.org - amongst other vitaly important objectives, they campaign to educate the public about Medical/Health Freedom issues by providing easily accessible, evidence-based information.
UK FREEDOM ALLIANCE https://freedomalliance.co.uk/ if the concept of real freedom and individual soveriegnity resonates with you......
Unity News Network - Are you sick of mainstream media and it's (not) news? Check out https://unitynewsnetwork.co.uk/
Gorillas - Grauers Gorilla numbers have crashed in just one generation from 17,000 to 3,800! Mountain Gorillas are now incredibly rare with around only 1000 individuals left. The Gorilla Organisation needs help to continue the work begun 50 years ago by Dian Fossey before she was murdered - www.gorillas.org info@:gorillas.org
www.kateonconservation.com check out the wonderful Kate and her work untangling conservation issues
BDA - For a usefull go-to guide on essential nutrients and dietary requirements try https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/plant-based-diet.html -not always 'on the money' or up to the minute, but a good basis for further research
Church - Temple of Fun - totally vegan sanctuary/hangout/eatery/bar/venue etc - and general all round place to be. Near to us at Kelham Island, Sheffield.
If you want to help support small/independant/local biz, check out Rebeccas wonderful https://anyyay.co.uk/blogs/news/shoppingsmall
Talking of local businesses, just up the road from us in Dronfield is Adams Fruits. So much more than fruit and veg! They support local vegan businesses like us and stock loads of artisan vegan stuff!
and...on the subject of grabbing vegan tucker in n around Sheffield, check out Liam's link: top 35+ vegan-friendly takeaways in the area a really useful go-to guide! Thanks to Liam Taft.
The Vegan Wholesaler - we love the only wholly vegan wholesaler in the UK! If you are a retailer and want to support the right businesses, as well as gaining access to the most excellent products: consider buying from the wonderful Pedro and team.
Little Shop of Vegans - Norwich. Absolutely fab place run by the amazing Rachel. www.littleshopofvegans.com
Weighsted - zero waste shop in Hebden Bridge, run by another inspiring Rachel. There are so many more zero waste shops now and this one definitely gets our thumbs-up!
Spoonie Survival - Pippa Stacey created this amazing project that is run by, and for, people with chronic illness. "Living with a chronic illness can be an incredibly lonely and isolating experience." https://www.spooniesurvivalkits.com/
Animal Aid - Animal Aid is the UK's largest animal rights group and one of the longest established in the world, having been founded in 1977. They campaign peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Birch Hill Dog Rescue https://birchhilldogrescue.org.uk/ we love our furry friends, and so do Birch Hill.
Bear Hugs - know any one who would appreciate a Bear Hug, someone you are unable to visit? Feel good vibes and love from this fab business.
Greenpeace - Greenpeace defend the natural world and promote peace by investigating, exposing and confronting environmental abuse, and championing environmentally responsible solutions.
ETHICAL CONSUMER - keep informed and abreast of which businesses, corporations and political groups conduct themselves in a sustainable, ethical, humane and animal friendly fashion. Customizable search and user defined criteria for assessing who is who and what is what. The go-to reference for ethical trade and business -you may be surprised at which popular companies and products don't look so good under close scrutiny! No prizes for guessing who/which should be avoided at all costs. . .
INFINITY Organic and ethically led supermarket for vegetarian and vegan produce, with artisan bakery.
We love Infinity, they've been going strong since 1971 - 50 years !
Ms CUPCAKE - Ms. Cupcake aims to bring ‘free from’ cake to the masses. She does this through baking incredible cakes, raising the profile of a vegan diet, and educating clients and local community on how they can create ‘free from’ cakes for themselves. Sadly, her pioneering bakery in Brixton is no longer there, but she is still an inspiring activist in the vegan foodie world.
PETA - The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation is dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals. They're a charitable organisation that works to educate the public about the horrors of cruelty to animals. Often contraversial, always on point! Much maligned and attacked - which tells us they are hitting the right spots!
VEGAN LARDER if you haven't come across vegan larder yet - you must have been off-planet. Their boxes are truly inspiring and are totally vegan, palm oil free, and includes gluten free option. They focus on smaller independent businesses, always 100% delicious, check them out! Particularly when looking for that super cool foodie Christmas prez!
Vegetarian Society - (OK, not vegan, but for many a step in the right direction, the first rung on the ladder, perhaps . .) the Vegetarian Society exists to influence, inspire and support people to embrace and maintain a vegetarian lifestyle. Established in 1847, they're the oldest vegetarian organisation in the world.
Vegan Society - The Vegan Society works towards making veganism an easily adopted and widely recognised approach to reducing animal and human suffering. They have an instantly recognisable trademark symbol to show which products have their approval and are genuinely vegan. The trademark unfortunately does not indicate a vegan business, only a vegan product.
VeganTown - Are you Vegan? Do you like chocolate? Pay a visit to Vegan Town. . .! We love vegan town - go Austin!
ADDITIVES, ALLERGIES AND ENVIRONMENT
Check the following for really important information you may not be aware of:
"Would You Eat Chocolate with Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate?" it may be vegan but it's as nasty as the most nasty thing! Do you know which major 'vegan' brands and products use this stuff? If you value your health, find out!
https://youtu.be/wWwpSvj2rB8
...and whilst on the subject of dubious non-food additives to chocolate and sweets:
Release Agents for sweets and chocolate - chocolate is just chocolate, particularly if it's vegan, right? Unfortunately this often isn't so. It may be vegan and it may comply with industry regulations, but what is really in it? Non-food additives, like silicone, are legally permissable in quantities that are significant! Here's part of a blurb from a huge international food ingredient manufacturer (which I musn't name) for its silicone additive (which it proudly states can be used at quantities even as low as 2%!):
'The low-volatility of ****** Emulsion eliminates excessive film and smoke. This innovative solution is compliant with multiple food . . . regulations adapting to global market requirements and offering very good dilution stability performance.'
The purpose of many additives for commercial production is not to make a food product healthier and more nourishing, but rather to make it easier and quicker to make, usually diluting, thereby REDUCING PRODUCTION COST! We would like to believe that consideration is given to health consequences for consumers, but I fear many of the additives used by large (including the most well known vegan) manufacturers have a hidden cost to the consumer which isn't financial.
Carrageenan - from seaweed so it must be ok to eat.... right? This non-food additive finds it's way into so many foods and vegan 'alternatives' such as chocolate, cheese, milks, ice creams, sweets and marshmallows (not Anandas!). Why do so many independent award winning researchers and scientists condemn it? Are minutely different molecular phosphate weights the only real difference between iota, kappa and lambda? And is it true that all carrageenan types degrade into a dangerous form in the presence of stomach acid (hydrochloric)? Why have 'safe' consumption limits been determined if it is not dangerous? Is there a correlation between the rise in stomach disease (inc IBS), and the widespread introduction and use of carrageenan in foods? Be aware - there's a huge vested interest in this additive, so a cursory online search may initially lead one to believe that carrageenan is safe. Dig deeper and you may not be so sure. . . Check out Frontiers in Pediatrics, Carrageenan, as a good starting point for collated research, also the vegan princess US.
Food labelling FSA - revised criteria for the labelling of food and additives have been produced by the fsa. They say that the intention is to clarify, re-assure and help enforce standards in regard to what manufacturers can claim regarding 'natural pure fresh' etc. The fsa essentially concludes that existing legislation is largely sufficient. One would think that terms such as 'pure' or 'natural' can only be used when a product actually is pure or natural. After all: the Cambridge dictionary defines natural as 'found in nature and not involving anything made or done by humans' the Oxford dictionary as: 'natural - existing in . . nature; not made or caused by humankind'.
We believe that it is in everyone's interest to be aware of how differently the fsa define these terms for the labelling of pre-prepared foods and confectionary.
The terrible cost of cheese
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24132170-100-the-truth A useful article when discussing the merits of going vegan with vegetarians . . or anyone! Just ignore the poor 'representative' sample (and review) of vegan cheese options though. They didn't look further than the shelves of a certain mega large supermarket. Let's be honest, if the reactionary, purverors of 'the official party line' and 'dyed in the wool' science community acknowledge the issue, then there's hope for everyone! ...AND NOW: check out New Scientists main feature 'Going Vegan for the planet, the animals and ourselves'. I know...right!?! They're still totally, hilariously wide of the mark...but edging closer.
Secret allergy triggers -- revealed!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/20/healthmag.allergy.trigger/index.html
Beat Outdoor Allergies
https://www.bhg.com/health-family/conditions/allergies/beat-outdoor-allergies/
Is a Mold Problem in Your Home Making you Sick?
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/mold-problem-your-home-making-you-sick.htm
13 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/13-ways-to-allergy-proof-your-home
Allergies on the Job: 7 Workplace Irritants
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/AllergiesNews/story?id=7291101
5 Allergic Reactions You Could Have at the Beach
https://www.verywellhealth.com/beach-allergies-83199
Seasonal Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/seasonal-allergies-babies-toddlers/
Big thank you to Kelly Coleman at Consumer Health Labs for most of the above and to Karen Miller researcher at the Idaho State University FMR Program for the below:
Parents’ Guide to Keeping Children with Asthma Safe in the Home
Resources on Asthma Control for Parents
Overview
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. n.d. “Asthma in Children: Who Has Asthma and Why?” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-101/asthma-in-children.
Asthma Initiative of Michigan. n.d. “Indoor Air Quality.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://getasthmahelp.org/indoor-air-quality.aspx.
American Lung Association. “Cleaning Supplies.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem.html.
American Lung Association. n.d. “Nitrogen Dioxide.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/outdoor/air-pollution/nitrogen-dioxide.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019. “Mold.” Page last reviewed December 16, 2019.
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/.
Children’s National Hospital. n.d. “Pediatric Asthma. Conditions & Treatments.” Accessed March 15, 2020.
https://childrensnational.org/visit/conditions-and-treatments/airway-lungs/asthma.
Healthy Children. n.d. “Dust Mite Control:Tips for Parents.”
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/Dust-Mite-Control.aspx. Accessed March 16, 2020.
Mayo Clinic. n.d. “Childhood Asthma.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351513. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Thanks to Jeff Oxford
Do you want reliable and accessible information on:
Feed Them All - working hard to support those struggling with poverty, isolation, mental health and/or abuse.
Checkout feedthemall.co.uk
Another fantastic group working to offer support where it's needed is BASE & Roses Mutual Aid
https://network23.org/kebele2/2020/04/21/support-base-and-roses/
FB: www.facebook.com/BASEandRoses
Crowdfunder: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/baseandroses2
The Animal Justice Project - If you are not familiar with their work, the AJP are a non-profit organisation working to end the use and exploitation of animals on both farms and in laboratories, though undercover investigations, consumer outreach, lobbying and pressure campaigns. You can find out more here:
https://animaljusticeproject.com/campaigns/
animaljusticeproject.com
lifelinecampaign.org
thefoultruth.org
expiredcampaign.org
New to being Vegan, or considering it? --- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetarian-and-vegan-mistakes
Thinking of travelling?: https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/vegan-travel-guide/
VIVA! - Viva! campaigns for a vegetarian/vegan world because most farmed animals spend their short and miserable lives in the filth of factory farms and are killed with sickening barbarity. They expose this abuse by secretly going inside these shameful places and filming the suffering – publicising it with nationwide campaigns that bring about change. Viva act for change and education within society. Equip yourself at vivashop.org.uk/whyyoudontneeddairy
ANONYMOUS -FOR THE- VOICELESS - fighting and campaigning for animal liberation through activism & education.
Hunt Sabs - what can we say?...they put themselves in harms way to protect the indigenous wildlife of this country AND try to uphold the anti-hunt law when the police and corrupt officials refuse to. Check out the new #peaky sabs
The UK Medical Freedom Alliance https://www.ukmedfreedom.org - amongst other vitaly important objectives, they campaign to educate the public about Medical/Health Freedom issues by providing easily accessible, evidence-based information.
UK FREEDOM ALLIANCE https://freedomalliance.co.uk/ if the concept of real freedom and individual soveriegnity resonates with you......
Unity News Network - Are you sick of mainstream media and it's (not) news? Check out https://unitynewsnetwork.co.uk/
Gorillas - Grauers Gorilla numbers have crashed in just one generation from 17,000 to 3,800! Mountain Gorillas are now incredibly rare with around only 1000 individuals left. The Gorilla Organisation needs help to continue the work begun 50 years ago by Dian Fossey before she was murdered - www.gorillas.org info@:gorillas.org
www.kateonconservation.com check out the wonderful Kate and her work untangling conservation issues
BDA - For a usefull go-to guide on essential nutrients and dietary requirements try https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/plant-based-diet.html -not always 'on the money' or up to the minute, but a good basis for further research
Church - Temple of Fun - totally vegan sanctuary/hangout/eatery/bar/venue etc - and general all round place to be. Near to us at Kelham Island, Sheffield.
If you want to help support small/independant/local biz, check out Rebeccas wonderful https://anyyay.co.uk/blogs/news/shoppingsmall
Talking of local businesses, just up the road from us in Dronfield is Adams Fruits. So much more than fruit and veg! They support local vegan businesses like us and stock loads of artisan vegan stuff!
and...on the subject of grabbing vegan tucker in n around Sheffield, check out Liam's link: top 35+ vegan-friendly takeaways in the area a really useful go-to guide! Thanks to Liam Taft.
The Vegan Wholesaler - we love the only wholly vegan wholesaler in the UK! If you are a retailer and want to support the right businesses, as well as gaining access to the most excellent products: consider buying from the wonderful Pedro and team.
Little Shop of Vegans - Norwich. Absolutely fab place run by the amazing Rachel. www.littleshopofvegans.com
Weighsted - zero waste shop in Hebden Bridge, run by another inspiring Rachel. There are so many more zero waste shops now and this one definitely gets our thumbs-up!
Spoonie Survival - Pippa Stacey created this amazing project that is run by, and for, people with chronic illness. "Living with a chronic illness can be an incredibly lonely and isolating experience." https://www.spooniesurvivalkits.com/
Animal Aid - Animal Aid is the UK's largest animal rights group and one of the longest established in the world, having been founded in 1977. They campaign peacefully against all forms of animal abuse and promote a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Birch Hill Dog Rescue https://birchhilldogrescue.org.uk/ we love our furry friends, and so do Birch Hill.
Bear Hugs - know any one who would appreciate a Bear Hug, someone you are unable to visit? Feel good vibes and love from this fab business.
Greenpeace - Greenpeace defend the natural world and promote peace by investigating, exposing and confronting environmental abuse, and championing environmentally responsible solutions.
ETHICAL CONSUMER - keep informed and abreast of which businesses, corporations and political groups conduct themselves in a sustainable, ethical, humane and animal friendly fashion. Customizable search and user defined criteria for assessing who is who and what is what. The go-to reference for ethical trade and business -you may be surprised at which popular companies and products don't look so good under close scrutiny! No prizes for guessing who/which should be avoided at all costs. . .
INFINITY Organic and ethically led supermarket for vegetarian and vegan produce, with artisan bakery.
We love Infinity, they've been going strong since 1971 - 50 years !
Ms CUPCAKE - Ms. Cupcake aims to bring ‘free from’ cake to the masses. She does this through baking incredible cakes, raising the profile of a vegan diet, and educating clients and local community on how they can create ‘free from’ cakes for themselves. Sadly, her pioneering bakery in Brixton is no longer there, but she is still an inspiring activist in the vegan foodie world.
PETA - The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation is dedicated to establishing and protecting the rights of all animals. They're a charitable organisation that works to educate the public about the horrors of cruelty to animals. Often contraversial, always on point! Much maligned and attacked - which tells us they are hitting the right spots!
VEGAN LARDER if you haven't come across vegan larder yet - you must have been off-planet. Their boxes are truly inspiring and are totally vegan, palm oil free, and includes gluten free option. They focus on smaller independent businesses, always 100% delicious, check them out! Particularly when looking for that super cool foodie Christmas prez!
Vegetarian Society - (OK, not vegan, but for many a step in the right direction, the first rung on the ladder, perhaps . .) the Vegetarian Society exists to influence, inspire and support people to embrace and maintain a vegetarian lifestyle. Established in 1847, they're the oldest vegetarian organisation in the world.
Vegan Society - The Vegan Society works towards making veganism an easily adopted and widely recognised approach to reducing animal and human suffering. They have an instantly recognisable trademark symbol to show which products have their approval and are genuinely vegan. The trademark unfortunately does not indicate a vegan business, only a vegan product.
VeganTown - Are you Vegan? Do you like chocolate? Pay a visit to Vegan Town. . .! We love vegan town - go Austin!
ADDITIVES, ALLERGIES AND ENVIRONMENT
Check the following for really important information you may not be aware of:
"Would You Eat Chocolate with Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate?" it may be vegan but it's as nasty as the most nasty thing! Do you know which major 'vegan' brands and products use this stuff? If you value your health, find out!
https://youtu.be/wWwpSvj2rB8
...and whilst on the subject of dubious non-food additives to chocolate and sweets:
Release Agents for sweets and chocolate - chocolate is just chocolate, particularly if it's vegan, right? Unfortunately this often isn't so. It may be vegan and it may comply with industry regulations, but what is really in it? Non-food additives, like silicone, are legally permissable in quantities that are significant! Here's part of a blurb from a huge international food ingredient manufacturer (which I musn't name) for its silicone additive (which it proudly states can be used at quantities even as low as 2%!):
'The low-volatility of ****** Emulsion eliminates excessive film and smoke. This innovative solution is compliant with multiple food . . . regulations adapting to global market requirements and offering very good dilution stability performance.'
The purpose of many additives for commercial production is not to make a food product healthier and more nourishing, but rather to make it easier and quicker to make, usually diluting, thereby REDUCING PRODUCTION COST! We would like to believe that consideration is given to health consequences for consumers, but I fear many of the additives used by large (including the most well known vegan) manufacturers have a hidden cost to the consumer which isn't financial.
Carrageenan - from seaweed so it must be ok to eat.... right? This non-food additive finds it's way into so many foods and vegan 'alternatives' such as chocolate, cheese, milks, ice creams, sweets and marshmallows (not Anandas!). Why do so many independent award winning researchers and scientists condemn it? Are minutely different molecular phosphate weights the only real difference between iota, kappa and lambda? And is it true that all carrageenan types degrade into a dangerous form in the presence of stomach acid (hydrochloric)? Why have 'safe' consumption limits been determined if it is not dangerous? Is there a correlation between the rise in stomach disease (inc IBS), and the widespread introduction and use of carrageenan in foods? Be aware - there's a huge vested interest in this additive, so a cursory online search may initially lead one to believe that carrageenan is safe. Dig deeper and you may not be so sure. . . Check out Frontiers in Pediatrics, Carrageenan, as a good starting point for collated research, also the vegan princess US.
Food labelling FSA - revised criteria for the labelling of food and additives have been produced by the fsa. They say that the intention is to clarify, re-assure and help enforce standards in regard to what manufacturers can claim regarding 'natural pure fresh' etc. The fsa essentially concludes that existing legislation is largely sufficient. One would think that terms such as 'pure' or 'natural' can only be used when a product actually is pure or natural. After all: the Cambridge dictionary defines natural as 'found in nature and not involving anything made or done by humans' the Oxford dictionary as: 'natural - existing in . . nature; not made or caused by humankind'.
We believe that it is in everyone's interest to be aware of how differently the fsa define these terms for the labelling of pre-prepared foods and confectionary.
The terrible cost of cheese
https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg24132170-100-the-truth A useful article when discussing the merits of going vegan with vegetarians . . or anyone! Just ignore the poor 'representative' sample (and review) of vegan cheese options though. They didn't look further than the shelves of a certain mega large supermarket. Let's be honest, if the reactionary, purverors of 'the official party line' and 'dyed in the wool' science community acknowledge the issue, then there's hope for everyone! ...AND NOW: check out New Scientists main feature 'Going Vegan for the planet, the animals and ourselves'. I know...right!?! They're still totally, hilariously wide of the mark...but edging closer.
Secret allergy triggers -- revealed!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/20/healthmag.allergy.trigger/index.html
Beat Outdoor Allergies
https://www.bhg.com/health-family/conditions/allergies/beat-outdoor-allergies/
Is a Mold Problem in Your Home Making you Sick?
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/mold-problem-your-home-making-you-sick.htm
13 Ways to Allergy-Proof Your Home
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/13-ways-to-allergy-proof-your-home
Allergies on the Job: 7 Workplace Irritants
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/AllergiesNews/story?id=7291101
5 Allergic Reactions You Could Have at the Beach
https://www.verywellhealth.com/beach-allergies-83199
Seasonal Allergies in Babies and Toddlers
https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/health-and-safety/seasonal-allergies-babies-toddlers/
Big thank you to Kelly Coleman at Consumer Health Labs for most of the above and to Karen Miller researcher at the Idaho State University FMR Program for the below:
Parents’ Guide to Keeping Children with Asthma Safe in the Home
Resources on Asthma Control for Parents
Overview
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes the narrowing and swelling of the airways. This results in excess mucus production and difficulty breathing. Asthma can be a minor nuisance to some. To others, it can disrupt daily living and even lead to a life-threatening attack.
Asthma can occur in both adults and children. Most children with asthma experience symptoms before turning five. Since their bronchial tubes or airways are small and narrow, any trigger can easily inflame these passages and make them even smaller.
There is no known cause for asthma in children. However, experts believe it may be inherited from parents. External factors may also trigger the condition, such as exposure to allergens and air pollution.
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 6 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma. Parents are advised to seek immediate professional help when symptoms occur. Early diagnosis helps the family and health practitioners to control asthma symptoms and to promote a good quality of life.- Symptoms
Asthma in adults does not differ from childhood asthma. However, children can suffer differently.
The common signs and symptoms of childhood asthma include the following:- Frequent coughing, especially during the night, with exercise, or cold-air exposure
- A wheezing sound during exhalation
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing during play or exercise
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Fatigue caused by poor sleep
- Difficulty sleeping because of too much coughing or wheezing
- Worsening coughing due to a cold or the flu
- Slow recovery from a respiratory infection, which may lead to bronchitis
- Interrupted play or exercise due to breathing trouble
- Diagnosis
Asthma is diagnosed by an allergist through a comprehensive medical history review and a series of medical examinations. These include breathing tests that will assess how well the lungs function. Common examinations include the following:- Spirometry
This common pulmonary test assesses the child’s lung function through a device called a spirometer. During this test, the child takes a deep breath and blows into the spirometer. The spirometer will then measure the amount of air held in the lungs and the speed of air during inhalation and exhalation.
Aside from being used as a diagnostic test, spirometry also helps determine the effectiveness of treatment. It also assesses the severity of lung conditions. - Peak flow monitoring (PFM)
This test uses a peak flow meter, which measures a person’s ability to push air out of the lungs. During the test, the child takes a deep breath and blows a fast, hard blast into the meter’s mouthpiece. Peak-flow monitoring is an effective way to evaluate how well a lung disease is being controlled. - Chest X-rays
This diagnostic test is used to capture a visual image of the lungs onto film. Doctors require a chest X-ray to rule out other health conditions that may be causing a child’s asthma-like symptoms.
- Spirometry
- Asthma Triggers
Asthma patients have heightened immune system sensitivity, which causes the swelling of the lungs due to certain triggers.
Each trigger is different from child to child and can include the following: To keep symptoms at bay, parents of children with asthma are advised to keep their homes clean and free from these triggers. - Asthma-proof Your Home
Americans spend much of their days indoors, so it’s important to keep indoor spaces clean and healthy to keep asthma symptoms under control. [AIM]
Improving Indoor Air Quality
The goal of making homes safer for children with asthma is to improve air quality. Parents and guardians need to limit their kids’ exposure to indoor triggers to control asthma symptoms.
A healthy indoor air environment is one with a good HVAC system, adequate ventilation and humidity control, and proper air filtration.
Generally, it is important to have the HVAC system regularly checked to ensure it’s not disrupting indoor air quality. Without a functional HVAC system, allergens and irritants build up within the home and compromise the residents’ health.
Humidity should also be maintained between 30 and 50 percent. [AIM] Homeowners can make use of humidity meters found in local hardware shops. To keep moisture and humidity low, exhaust fans and dehumidifiers can be used.
Proper Home Cleaning Tips
To reduce household triggers, parents must use proper cleaning measures to ensure an asthma-proof home. It’s best to clean when children are out of the house.
Using a normal vacuum cleaner can stir up fine dust and spread it across the room. Dust can remain in the air for up to eight hours, worsening asthma symptoms. To avoid this, it’s best to invest in a vacuum cleaner that is equipped with a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter.- Bedroom
Dust mites accumulate in warm and sufficiently moist places, such as in bedding. The fibrous materials also make it easier for mites to cling to mattresses, carpets, and linens.
To control dust mites, it is recommended to dust bed linens and carpets each week. Keep mattresses in airtight plastic covers and wipe them weekly with a damp cloth. Also, wash bed covers in hot water once a week. - Living Room
Avoid smoking in the living room or in any parts of the home. Other substances that can pollute indoor air include aerosol sprays and perfumes.
Wipe windows clean using an effective window cleaner that does not contain harsh chemicals. The goal is to prevent irritating substances that can trigger an asthma attack. As much as possible, keep windows shut to prevent pollens and outdoor allergens from coming in. - Kitchen
Odors from household cleaners and solvents contribute to poor air quality in the kitchen. Some products, especially those that contain volatile organic compounds, can irritate the eyes and trigger allergies. [ALA]
Make sure to tuck household cleaners and chemicals away from vents to avoid fumes from circulating throughout the home. When using products, proper instructions should be followed. - Bathroom
Aside from harsh cleaning products, it is important to prevent other common asthma triggers in the bathroom, such as mold and high moisture. When using the bathroom, it’s recommended to turn on the exhaust to decrease humidity and to avoid mold growth.
Wipe bathroom windows to lessen moisture buildup. A good window cleaner will help get rid of any mold that is starting to form in the corners of bathroom windows.
- Bedroom
- Control Plan
Parents need to know about proper asthma management to protect their children. This helps them control symptoms and give their children a better quality of life.
Parents of children with asthma are encouraged to develop a written asthma action plan with their doctor. A control plan will help to do the following:- Determine the need for adjustment in maintenance medications
- Evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment
- Spot the symptoms of an asthma attack and learn the proper countermeasures
- Know when to seek professional help
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. n.d. “Asthma in Children: Who Has Asthma and Why?” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-101/asthma-in-children.
Asthma Initiative of Michigan. n.d. “Indoor Air Quality.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://getasthmahelp.org/indoor-air-quality.aspx.
American Lung Association. “Cleaning Supplies.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/indoor/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem.html.
American Lung Association. n.d. “Nitrogen Dioxide.” Accessed March 16, 2020.
https://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/outdoor/air-pollution/nitrogen-dioxide.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019. “Mold.” Page last reviewed December 16, 2019.
https://www.cdc.gov/mold/.
Children’s National Hospital. n.d. “Pediatric Asthma. Conditions & Treatments.” Accessed March 15, 2020.
https://childrensnational.org/visit/conditions-and-treatments/airway-lungs/asthma.
Healthy Children. n.d. “Dust Mite Control:Tips for Parents.”
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/allergies-asthma/Pages/Dust-Mite-Control.aspx. Accessed March 16, 2020.
Mayo Clinic. n.d. “Childhood Asthma.”
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351513. Accessed March 15, 2020.
Thanks to Jeff Oxford
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