Asthma Triggers
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Things that cause asthma flare-ups are called triggers. Each child's triggers can be different. Learning what causes your child's flare-ups will take time. Once you know, you can help your child control these triggers – both at home and elsewhere. Here are some important tips for controlling common asthma triggers that may affect your child.
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Smoking
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- If you or anyone else in your home smokes, quit for your child's sake
- Do not allow your child to be around smoke
- Do not allow smoking in your home or your car
- Do not use wood burning stoves or fireplaces and avoid campfires
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Pets
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- Keep pets outside
- If pets must come inside, keep them off the furniture
- Close your child's bedroom door and keep pets out of the bedroom
- Bathe pets weekly
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Dust and Dust Mites
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- Put your mattresses and pillows in special allergen-proof covers
- Remove all animal products (feather pillows)
- Wash your bedding every week in hot water (over 130˚ F)
- Wash stuffed animals often and, if possible, remove other dust collectors from your child's bedroom
- Dust woodwork and wash curtains often
- Damp mop floors instead of sweeping
- Vacuum carpets/rugs weekly with a HEPA filter. When possible, remove carpeting, especially in the bedroom
- Replace air conditioner and heater filters monthly
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Pollen
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- During allergy season, use air conditioning instead of opening the windows
- Change the air conditioner filter monthly
- Bathe after being outdoors
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Mold and Mildew
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- Keep the bathroom dry by using a fan or dehumidifier
- Clean sinks, tubs and showers often with bleach solution (1 part bleach, 3 parts water)
- Limit houseplants as they are sources of dampness and mold
- Clean your child's nebulizer or inhaler and spacer often
- Ask your healthcare provider before using a vaporizer or humidifier. Always keep it clean
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Illness
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Even minor respiratory illnesses can cause asthma flare-ups.- Remind your child to wash his or her hands often
- Make sure your child eats well and gets lots of sleep
- Keep your child away from people with colds or the flu
- Be sure your child gets a yearly flu shot
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Weather
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Changes in the weather can cause flare-ups.- Watch your child during outdoor play, when the weather turns cold and dry or gets hot and humid
- Keep your child inside on "Bad Air Days" when air quality is poor
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Exercise
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Your child may cough or wheeze when exercising. However, exercise is important to your child's health, and asthma should not keep your child from playing sports or other physical activities.- Take medication with exercise if prescribed in the Asthma Action Plan
- Warm up by exercising slowly at first
- Limit exercise when ill or when the weather is cold and dry
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Other Triggers
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- Some medications may trigger an asthma flare-up, such as aspirin or Beta Blockers. Talk to your health-care provider if you suspect a medication is a trigger
- Certain foods may trigger asthma. If you suspect food is a trigger, discuss it with your healthcare provider
- Strong smells, such as perfumes, sprays, or cleaning products may make asthma worse. If your child is sensitive to strong smells, avoid contact with strongly scented products and chemical products
- If your child has allergies, managing them will help reduce asthma symptoms
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