Living Well with ABPA: A Practical Guide to Preventative Living and a Low-Risk Home

This guide is for people living with Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), chronic fungal lung conditions, or other respiratory diseases that increase sensitivity to infections and environmental triggers. It combines expert-informed advice with practical strategies patients like Alison use to stay well, especially through winter.

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🔗 Quick Navigation

• What Is Preventative Living?
• Managing Risk During Winter
• Vaccination – Your First Line of Defence
• Keeping Your Home a Low-Risk Zone
  • Ventilation
  • HEPA Air Filtration
  • Damp and Mould Control
  • Houseplants and Soil
• Cleaning and Dust Control
• Antibiotics, Fungal Risk, and Immune Suppression
• Talking to Family and Friends
• Summary: A Balanced Approach

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Section 1: What Is Preventative Living?

Preventative living means taking small, proactive steps to reduce your exposure to fungal spores, infections, and environmental risks that can cause lung flares.

“I’m not over-cautious — I just evaluate risks. Lowering my expectations in winter has helped me stay well without feeling cut off.” – Alison

Preventative living is not about fear — it’s about protecting your lungs and managing your energy, so you can live confidently and safely.

Section 2: Managing Risk During Winter

• Wear FFP2 masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Prioritise venues with good air exchange (e.g. open windows or HVAC).
• Stay socially connected through video calls or small outdoor gatherings.
• Reduce physical contact when flu, COVID-19, or RSV are widespread.
• Let family/friends know you’re managing a health condition, not avoiding them.

Section 3: Vaccination – Your First Line of Defence

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness from common respiratory viruses. Stay current with:

• Annual flu vaccine
• COVID-19 boosters
• Pneumococcal vaccine
• Shingles vaccine (if eligible)
• RSV vaccine (for older adults and those with chronic lung disease)

Section 4: Keeping Your Home a Low-Risk Zone

Your home should be the safest place for your lungs. Here’s how to reduce airborne risks:

4.1 Ventilation

• Open windows when air quality is good
• Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens
• Check air quality forecasts before airing out rooms
• Use cross-ventilation where possible to create airflow
• Avoid ventilation near high-traffic roads during peak hours

4.2 HEPA Air Filtration

• Use a true HEPA filter, not “HEPA-type”
• Make sure it’s correctly sized for the room (check CADR ratings)
• Bedroom units typically need CADR ~150+, living rooms ~300–500+
• Run the filter continuously, not just occasionally
• Place centrally or near breathing zone (not hidden in corners)

4.3 Damp and Mould Control

• Use dehumidifiers if humidity is regularly above 60%
• Run extractor fans during and after showers/cooking
• Wipe down wet windowsills or condensation daily
• Clean any visible mould using antifungal or bleach-based cleaners (never dry scrub)
• Check for structural issues like leaks, damp walls, or poor insulation

4.4 Houseplants and Soil

• Avoid disturbing soil (e.g. repotting) indoors
• Add decorative pebbles or coverings to suppress soil spore release
• Remove or treat plants with visible mould or poor drainage
• Do not store compostable food waste indoors — empty daily to outdoor bins
• Use gloves and a mask when handling potting mix or plant waste

Section 5: Cleaning and Dust Control

“Dust is your enemy.”

• Use a vacuum with a built-in HEPA filter weekly.
• Damp dust surfaces with a microfibre or moistened cloth (not dry dusting).
• Wash bedding at 60°C weekly to kill dust mites and remove spores.
• Use dust-mite proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Declutter rooms to reduce places for dust to collect.
• Remove or reduce wall-to-wall carpets, especially in sleeping areas.

Section 6: Antibiotics, Fungal Risk, and Immune Suppression

If you’re using steroids, biologics, or long-term antibiotics, you may be more vulnerable to fungal infections.

• Antibiotics can suppress bacterial flora and promote fungal overgrowth.
• Infectious Diseases (ID) specialists will weigh your infection and colonisation risks.
• Ask about alternatives like Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) for UTI prevention.
• Ensure regular surveillance if you’re on immune-suppressing therapy (e.g. sputum culture, IgE levels, Aspergillus PCR).

Section 7: Talking to Family and Friends

Here’s how to explain your approach:

“I’m not avoiding people — I’m managing my condition. I still want to stay connected, but I may skip events where the risk is high. Thank you for understanding.”

Practical Suggestions:

• Invite others to meet for a walk or outdoor coffee
• Use video calls, group chats, or watch-alongs to stay connected
• Plan in-person visits for spring or summer when risk is lower
• Let others know that small accommodations (like good ventilation or masking) help you attend more comfortably

Summary: A Balanced Approach to Everyday Safety

You can live well with ABPA by:

• Reducing exposure to fungal and viral triggers
• Keeping your home dry, clean, and well-filtered
• Using medications wisely, in coordination with your care team
• Protecting yourself socially and medically
• Communicating your boundaries clearly but confidently

Preventative living is not about isolation — it’s about keeping your lungs safe so you can keep living life your way.

 

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