Asthma Triggers and What to do About Them

Asthma Triggers

Certain things cause asthma “attacks” or make asthma worse. These are called triggers. Some common asthma triggers are.

Things your child might be allergic to. These are called allergens. (Most children with asthma have allergies, and allergies are a major cause of asthma symptoms.)

- House dust mites

- Animal dander

- Cockroaches

- Mold

- Pollens

Infections of the airways

- Viral infections of the nose and throat - Other infections, such as pneumonia or sinus infections

Irritants in the environment (outside or indoor air you breathe)

- Cigarette and other smoke

- Air pollution

- Cold air, dry air

- Odors, fragrances, volatile organic compounds in sprays, and cleaning products

Exercise (About 80% of people with asthma develop wheezing, coughing, and a tight feeling in the chest when they exercise.)

Stress

Be sure to check all of your child’s “environments,” such as school, child care, and relatives’ homes, for exposure to these same things.

HELP YOUR CHILD AVOID TRIGGERS

While it is impossible to make the place you live in completely allergen or irritant-free, there are things you can do to reduce your child’s exposure to triggers. The following tips may help.

Do not smoke or let anyone

in your home or car.

Reduce exposure to dust mites. The most necessary and effective things to do are to cover your child’s mattress and pillows with special allergy-proof encasings, wash their bedding in hot water every 1 to 2 weeks, remove stuffed toys from the bedroom, and vacuum and dust regularly. Other avoidance measures, which are more difficult or expensive, include reducing the humidity in the house with a dehumidifier or removing carpeting in the bedroom. Bedrooms in basements should not be carpeted.

If allergic to furry pets, the only truly effective

means of reducing exposure to pet allergens is to remove them from the home. If this is not possible, keep them out of your child’s bedroom and consider putting a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in their bedroom, removing carpeting, covering mattress and pillows with mite-proof encasings, and washing the animals regularly.

Reduce cockroach infestation by regularly exterminating, setting roach traps, repairing holes in walls or other entry points, and avoiding leaving exposed food or garbage.

Mold in homes is often due to excessive moisture indoors, which can result from water damage due to flooding, leaky roofs, leaking pipes, or excessive humidity. Repair any sources of water leakage. Control indoor humidity by using exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen, and adding a dehumidifier in areas with naturally high humidity. Clean existing mold contamination with detergent and water. Sometimes porous materials such as wallboards with mold contamination have to be replaced.

Pollen exposure can be reduced by using an air conditioner in your child’s bedroom, with the vent closed, and leaving doors and windows closed during high pollen times. (Times vary with allergens, ask your allergist.)

Reduce indoor irritants by using unscented cleaning products and avoiding mothballs, room deodorizers, or scented candles.

Check air quality reports in weather forecasts or on the Internet. When the air quality is poor, keep your child indoors and be sure he takes his asthma control medications.

Decreasing your child’s exposure to triggers will help decrease symptoms as well as the need for asthma medications.