Advice

[AsthmaER]

Hi my sons asthma is currently not under control and he has started to be triggered by the washing powder we use, especially when the clothes first come out the washing machine! Can anyone recommend a non perfumed or asthma friendly washing powder/liquid? Thank you

[AsthmaSufferer]

Do you use unscented washing liquid? Also, unscented dryer sheets? I had to start using unscented products years ago.

Sorry that your son has asthma - even scarier when it's your child. My son finally outgrew his asthma at around 10 years old. His was affected by changes in weather, especially quick changes (when dropped 20 degrees fast).

For a number of years, we used a product named "Dorcol" and it worked if I caught his allergic reaction fast enough (Dorcol was discontinued on the market, but possibly Benedryl would work as well(?).

As soon as he seemed to get a "twang" in his throat or a runny nose, would give him a teaspoon and it stopped the allergic reaction. Before that, had to take him to doctor once every month or two (especially in winter) for a prescription of antibiotics. He would build up white phlegm in his chest, too, until finally he would throw it up. Later learned that it was some type of bronchial asthma.

I have since been diagnosed with asthma (65 years old) and so now see what he went through. Good luck to you.

[AsthmaER in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Hi, thank you so much for your response, my son is 11 and has had it since he was a baby and it seems to be getting worse rather than better unfortunately. Trying to see if anyone knows of an un scented washing liquid/powder as strong scents definitely trigger him along with smoke, candles and changes in the seasons!!! X

[sandravale]

You have to try a few different detergents. Some really upset me, whilst others don't. Currently using a lidl own brand liquid colour detergent. What really upsets me is fabric softeners. I haven't found one that I can use

[AsthmaER in reply to sandravale]

Hi thank you for your response, we don’t use fabric conditioner for the same reason but have been using Ariel for 11 years and been fine until now!!!!

[AsthmaSufferer in reply to AsthmaER]

I don't know about Ariel. Have heard of it, but have not seen it in the U.S. But most products will show as "unscented." Not "sensitive" though, as I tried Tide "sensitive" and it did not work. Tide unscented in good though. I now use the unscented baking soda detergent, Arm & Hammer, and it works fine.

Also, I have read, that we should never, ever use the scents they sell for our homes & cars, as what really happens is they coat our noses and the bad scent is not really gone. But more importantly, what are we putting into our bodies when we breathe in those chemical scents? I can tell immediately if someone has burned a scented candle or used the spray scents and almost go into an asthma attack. Needless to say, I just have to leave if the scent is too strong.

[AsthmaER in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Thank you for your response, very interesting info about ‘Scented products’ very worrying that they are allowed to be sold!!!!! I did wonder about the difference between sensitive and unscented, so thank you for that too! 💛

[hilary39]

This is an American site of certified allergy-friendly products-- maybe some of the products are available in the UK!

aafa.org/certified-asthma-a...

[AsthmaER in reply to hilary39]

Thank you I will definitely take a look

[Wheezy1980]

Boots do a laundry gel, might be worth a try.

[AsthmaER in reply to Wheezy1980]

Oh really, thank you I will take a look

[Artforever]

Surcare. I've used it's products for years. Not for my Asthma but my husband's excema. They do washing powder, washing liquid, washing up liquid and softener. The powder is difficult to get these days but I've found it in Home Bargains and Supersaver. There's no perfume in any of the products.

[AsthmaER in reply to Artforever]

That’s brilliant, thank you so much

[AsthmaSufferer]

There are unscented dryer sheets now available in the U.S., but have found good ones also in our health food stores. The cost is a little higher but worth it. Also, if you put distilled white vinegar in your rinse cycle, you won't need to use dryer sheets for most of year (only in driest/coldest months of winter). I also now use two wool dryer balls in my clothes drier, which help to loosen clothes as they dry and keep down the static cling. I never use any scented products - washing powders, softeners, shampoo, deodorants, etc., as have been allergic to scents most of life. It's easier to eliminate scented products nowadays, thank goodness, as there are many more products to choose from nowadays.

[S321 in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Have you tried Fairy non bio or any non bio washing powder might be good. as this

suppose to allergen free . Not sure about tumble dryer sheets.

[AsthmaER in reply to S321]

Thank you, I did try when he was a baby but couldn’t get on with it, but I will look again💛

[AsthmaER in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Thank you for your response I will look into that💛

[AsthmaER in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Hi thank you for your response, I am in the UK and not sure what drier sheets are? But like the sound of using something natural like white vinegar 💛

[AsthmaER in reply to AsthmaSufferer]

Also didn’t realise that there were allergies to scents!!! As we have just been focussing on food allergies!!!!

[asthmaticclimber]

Boots do a really good sensitive skin/allergy one in the UK. Don’t know where your located but might be worth looking into? It’s a life saver for my asthma and eczema

[AsthmaER]

Oh really, someone else said boots, didn’t even know they did washing powder, will definitely have a look 💛