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Understanding Asthma
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Understanding Asthma Asthma Triggers
Asthma Triggers
Asthma can be worsened by substances or conditions called triggers, which cause air passages in the lungs to become narrowed and inflamed or swollen. Your healthcare provider can help you figure out what triggers your asthma. Once you know the triggers that cause an attack, you can try to avoid contact with them. Your healthcare provider may also suggest medicines that may reduce your sensitivity to asthma triggers.
Common Asthma Triggers
Dust Mite
You may not realize it, but dust mites can be found all over your home. These tiny insects are most popular in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, curtains, carpets and stuffed animals.
Try the following tips to keep them at controllable levels so they don't become irritants:
- Wash all bedding materials in HOT water, once a week.
- Vacuum weekly, but keep people with asthma out of the room while you vacuum.
- Every now and then, wash stuffed toys in hot water and dry them completely. If the toy can't be washed, try to kill the dust mites by placing it in aplastic bag in the freezer for a few hours.
- In general, try to keep stuffed toys off of beds and out of bedrooms.
- Use "allergen-impermeable" zippered covers on pillows and mattresses.
References:
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/dustmites.html
Mold in shower
Molds can be found almost anywhere in your house but especially in bathrooms, kitchens and basements, which tend to collect the most humidity.
There's no practical way to destroy all the mold in your house, but there are some steps you can take to limit mold growth and help avoid asthma attacks:
- Wash mold off hard surfaces and let them dry completely.
- If you have a leak somewhere (drainage problem, leaky plumbing, poor ventilation), identify the source and get the problem fixed.
- Keep drip pans in your air conditioner, refrigerator and dehumidifier clean and dry.
- Use exhaust fans or open windows in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking or using the dishwasher so the air can circulate.
- Get a hygrometer at your local hardware store so you can measure indoor humidity. Try to keep humidity levels in your house between 30-50 percent.
References:
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html
Cockroach
Cockroaches are common household pests, especially in the southern U.S. and in crowded cities.
Any physical evidence of a cockroach can trigger an asthma attack.
Here are some tips to minimize their presence:
- Keep food and water off the ground and off your countertops.
- Store food in sealed containers such as plastic, metal or glass.
- Throw out cardboard boxes and other piles of stagnant materials to eliminate potential nesting areas.
- Clean up all food crumbs, liquids and trash immediately.
References:
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pests.html
Cat
Pets can often trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to animal allergens. The best way to completely control animal allergens in your
house is to not allow indoor pets.
However, that's easier said than done if you already have beloved pets at the time of an asthma diagnosis. Here are some tips for minimizing animal allergens in your home:
- Keep pets out of bedrooms and sleeping areas of anyone with asthma. Close bedroom doors to keep pets out.
- Keep indoor pets away from fabric-covered furniture, carpets and stuffed toys, which can absorb and carry dander.
- Vacuum, dust and clean often.
References:
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/pets.html
Smoke from pipes, cigars and cigarettes can irritate the already inflamed airways of people with asthma, increasing the likelihood of an attack.
Children are at greatest risk for experiencing long-term effects from secondhand smoke.
Talk to your healthcare provider about quitting smoking.
Avoid the following scenarios to prevent smoke-induced asthma attacks:
- Do not allow smoking inside your home or car.
- Avoid going into homes and businesses where tobacco smoke is present.
- Avoid standing or sitting near someone who is actively smoking.
References:
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/shs.html
Products that have strong odors (perfumes, hairsprays, paints, cleaning products, etc.) can trigger an asthma attack.
When using scented products, remember to:
- Avoid completely, or go easy on perfume and heavily scented personal hygiene products.
- Open windows or use fans to circulate the air when using cleaning products inside the house or when painting.
- Store highly scented products, such as paints, somewhere outside the house.
References:
http://www.wvasthma.org/Asthma101/AsthmaTriggers/
tabid/207/Default.aspx
Cold weather can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, so keep these tips in mind when managing asthma in cold weather:
Tips:
- Avoid going outside on extremely cold days unless absolutely necessary.
- Wear a scarf around your face if you must be outside.
References:
http://www.wvasthma.org/Asthma101/AsthmaTriggers/
tabid/207/Default.aspx
Hot weather can aggravate asthma symptoms or trigger an attack.
Respect the high temperatures by:
- Avoiding going out during extremely hot and/or humid days if possible since these days tend to carry the most mold spores on the wind.
- Staying indoors on days when pollution levels are high.
- Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day - between 10 am and 2 pm.
References:
http://www.wvasthma.org/Asthma101/AsthmaTriggers/
tabid/207/Default.aspx
Ragwwed
Pollens can be major asthma irritants, especially from February-October.
It's impossible to avoid pollen altogether, but you should know when pollen is at its highest.
- Tree pollens induce the most asthma triggers in the spring.
- Grass pollens are at their peak in late spring and summer.
- Weed pollens are at their highest levels in late summer and fall.
References:
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/
tips/outdoorallergens.stm
It is important to note if you are frequently experiencing an attack after eating a certain food. Try to avoid any foods that trigger asthma symptoms.
Some asthma trigger foods include:
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Peanuts
- Eggs
- Milk
- Wheat
- Tree nuts
Read ingredient labels on foods to check for allergens before purchasing.
References:
http://www.ific.org/publications/brochures/asthmabroch.cfm
An asthma attack can be triggered by exercise.
- Choose sports or games that involve short bursts of energy, such as swimming, football, golfing, baseball or wrestling.
- Exercise indoors in cold temperatures, or if you must be outside, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth.
- If you experience asthma symptoms during or after exercising, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to manage those symptoms.
- Talk to your healthcare provider to find out how much exercise is appropriate for you or your child with asthma.
Any cold or flu can cause your lungs to become inflamed and trigger an asthma attack, so it's important to try to stay healthy to reduce the risk of an attack.
Do your best to ward off infections by being diligent about the following:
- Maintain good hygiene, like washing your hands with soap and water.
- Keep asthma equipment clean, and don't share equipment with others.
- Ask your healthcare provider about receiving a flu vaccine each year as a preventative measure.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/infections-and-asthma
Some people with asthma may have a sensitivity to a medication that could cause an attack.
Be sure to discuss your medication allergies with your healthcare provider before beginning an asthma treatment.
In some people, medications that may trigger asthma symptoms include the following:
- NSAIDs, which are used to treat pain or fever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Beta blockers for heart conditions, migraines or high blood pressure, such as atenolol and metoprolol.
- ACE inhibitors for heart disease or high blood pressure, such as lisinopril or enalapril.
References:
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/medications-trigger-asthma
You and Your Healthcare Provider
Your healthcare team is an essential part of the treatment plan for you or your child.
