Allergy, Asthma, Immunology Wellness

Reducing Asthma Triggers in Your Home

Explanation | Triggers | What to expect | Additional resources

There are many things in every home that can cause an asthma attack or make asthma worse. These are called triggers. Below is a list of common triggers. Make changes based on child's specific allergies or triggers for Asthma attacks.

Triggers

Tobacco smoke

• If you smoke, ask your child's doctor for ways to help you quit. Ask other family members to stop smoking also.
• If you have to smoke, wear a specific coat or "duster" when outside to smoke. Remove when entering the home.
• Do not allow smoking in your home, car or around your child.
• Be sure no one smokes at your child's day care center.

Dust mites

Many people are allergic to dust mites. Dust mites are tiny bugs that you cannot see. They live in cloth and carpet. Follow the guidelines below to help reduce the number of dust mites your child may encounter in your home.

• Put your child's mattress, pillow, and box springs in plastic or vinyl covers that close with a zipper.
• Remove stuffed animals or toys from your child's bed.
• Wash all blankets and bedding once a week in hot water.
• Do not let your child sleep or lie on stuffed, upholstered furniture. Have your child sit in a leather, wood or vinyl chair.
• Do not dust or vacuum while your child is in the room.
• Remove carpeting if possible, especially from your child's sleeping area and play area.

Molds

• Use half-strength bleach or mold-killing solution to clean bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
• Use air conditioning and keep windows closed, if possible.
• Use a dehumidifier, if available. Empty the pan daily.
• Do not use vaporizers.
• Avoid houseplants. If you have them, change the soil frequently.
• Do not mow the grass or rake the leaves around your child.
• Repair leaky faucets and pipes or other water leaks.

Pets

• Remove animals from the home or keep them outside. If you cannot keep them outside, keep them out of your child's sleeping and play areas.
• Wash your pet every week.
• Choose a pet without fur or feathers.

Cockroaches

• Keep counters and floors free of food crumbs and keep food and trash in closed containers.
• Avoid clutter such as piles of papers where cockroaches can hide.
• Do not use pesticide sprays, foggers or bombs.
• Use boric acid powder, such as Roach Prufe™; use as directed.
• Use roach bait stations, such as Combat™, as needed; use as directed.

Strong odors and sprays

• Avoid burning wood, incense and scented candles.
• Avoid strong odors such as perfume, hairspray, paints and cleaning products.

Exercise, sports, work and play

• Your child should be able to be active without symptoms.
• Ask the doctor about giving your child medicine before exercise to prevent symptoms.
• Have your child warm up for 5-10 minutes before exercise.
• Have your child avoid hard work or play outside when pollution or pollen levels are high.

Other triggers

• The flu - Have your child get a flu shot each fall.
• Food allergies - Avoid foods your child does not tolerate.
• Cold air - Have your child cover his/her nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.
• Other medicines - Tell your child's doctor about all the medicines your child takes.

What to expect

After following the guidelines above, you may notice:

• Asthma is better controlled
• Fewer asthma attacks
• Less need for wheezing medications

Additional resources

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1-800-727-8462
• Allergy and Asthma Network, 1-800-878-4403
• American Academy Of Allergy, Asthma And Immunology, 1-800-822-2762

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