By the H&L Editorial Team

A Simple Guide to Make Your Home Lung-Friendly

Use this checklist monthly. A safe home prevents infections and breathing emergencies.

Air Quality

No smoking anywhere indoors
Kitchen well-ventilated
Exhaust fan used during cooking
Minimized dust and clutter
Air-conditioning cleaned every 2–3 months
No burning of candles, incense, or mosquito coils indoors

Environment & Comfort

Room has good airflow
Temperature kept comfortable (not too hot or humid)
Avoid strong perfumes or cleaning chemicals
Floor kept clean and dry
No pets sleeping on the patient’s bed

Medication & Devices

Rescue inhaler easily accessible
Nebulizer working well and cleaned after each use
Long-acting inhalers not expired
Oxygen tank (if prescribed) checked regularly
Medication chart visible

Infection Prevention

Everyone in the household washes hands regularly
Visitors with cough/colds advised to postpone
Patient has updated flu, pneumococcal, and COVID vaccines
Regular hydration encouraged

Safety & MobilityNo loose rugs (to prevent falls)
Chairs available for rest during activities
Bedroom close to bathroom
Night lights in hallways

“A clean, calm, well-ventilated home is one of the best treatments for COPD.”