Health Topics

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.

House 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; wipe off once a week then change bedding.
• Wipe off furniture and items near your child's bed once a week with a damp cloth.
• 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.

Indoor and Outdoor Pollens and Molds

• Use half-strength bleach or mold-killing solution to clean bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
• Ensure shower curtains, refrigerator doors, bathtub and window corners are free of mildew or mold growth. 
• 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 grass or rake the leaves around your child.
• Repair leaky faucets and pipes or other water leaks.
• Monitor the pollen count and have your child stay indoors mid-day when the pollen count is high.

Pets

• Remove the pet from the child's room at all times.
• Take asthma medications if you cannot avoid visits to family and friends with pets. 
• 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 bug spray when your child is out of the house and completely air out the house before he or she returns. 
• Use roach traps in areas that children cannot reach.

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 five to 10 minutes before exercise.
• Have your child avoid hard work or play outside when pollution or pollen levels are high.

Other Triggers

• Colds / 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 or 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.
• Emotional / stress. Stressful situations that lead to changes in breathing can make asthma worse

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

• 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