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Air in the room: clean, smoke-free, mould-free

When neutrophils are low, especially after a transplant, fungal spores in the air (such as Aspergillus) and smoke can be a danger. This section explains how to keep room air clean.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Sheer white curtains at a bright window
Figure 1.Air the room regularly

01Short answer

Air the room briefly several times a day. Nobody should smoke cigarettes or a hookah at home; second-hand smoke is harmful too. Mould on damp walls, window frames and in the bathroom should be removed, but by someone other than the patient. Clean air-conditioner and fan filters regularly, and do not let them blow directly at the patient. If you use a humidifier, clean it every day, or it spreads germs. During renovation, building or digging, the patient should stay away. Cut down on strong perfumes, aerosols and candles. Ask your team whether an air purifier with a HEPA filter is needed.

02Simple explanation

Air the room daily.

A smoke-free home.

Someone else removes mould.

Renovation: stay away.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, staying away from building and digging work and keeping good hygiene reduce infection risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Aspergillus

A fungus in soil and building dust; it can cause lung infection in people with weak immunity.

Humidifier

An uncleaned humidifier spreads bacteria and fungi.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AspergillusA fungus in soil and building dust; it can cause lung infection in people with weak immunity.
HumidifierAn uncleaned humidifier spreads bacteria and fungi.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Spore
An airborne particle of a fungus.
HEPA
A high-efficiency air filter.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Air it.
  • No smoking.
  • No mould.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Do I need an air purifier?

Not everyone does; ask your team.

There is renovation next door.

Keep windows closed and tell your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Do I need an air purifier?

  2. There is renovation next door.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. NHS. Physiotherapy
  6. National Cancer Institute. Skin and Nail Changes during Cancer Treatment
  7. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Life After Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute. Coping – Cancer Support Groups
  9. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Women and Cancer Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Sexual Health Issues in Men and Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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