Health Encyclopedia

Stay away from asthma triggers

Description

It is important to know what things make your asthma worse. These are called asthma "triggers." Avoiding them is your first step toward feeling better.

Our homes can have asthma triggers, such as:

• The air we breathe
• Furniture and carpets
• Our pets

Alternative Names

Asthma triggers - stay away from; Asthma triggers - avoiding; Reactive airway disease - triggers; Bronchial asthma - triggers

Stay Away From Smoking

If you smoke, ask your health care provider for help quitting. No one should smoke in your house. This includes you, others with whom you live, and your visitors.

Smokers should smoke outside and wear a coat. The coat will keep smoke particles from sticking to their clothes. They should leave the coat outside or away from you and your child.

Ask people who work at your child's day care, preschool, school, and anyone else who takes care of your child, if they smoke. If they do, make sure they do not smoke near your child.

Stay away from restaurants and bars that allow smoking. Or, ask for a table as far away from smokers as possible.

Pollen

When pollen levels are high:

• Stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed. Use an air conditioner if you have one.
• Do outside activities in the late afternoon or after a heavy rain.
• Wear a facemask while you are doing outdoor activities.
• Do not dry clothes outdoors. Pollen will stick to them.
• Have someone who does not have asthma cut the grass, or wear a facemask if you must do it.

Dust Mites

You can take several steps to limit exposure to dust mites.

• Wrap mattresses, box springs, and pillows in mite-proof covers.
• Wash bedding and pillows once a week in hot water (130°F to 140°F [54°C to 60°C]).
• If you can, get rid of upholstered furniture. Use wooden, leather, or vinyl furniture instead.
• Keep indoor air dry. Try to keep the humidity level lower than 50%.
• Wipe away dust with a damp cloth and vacuum once a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arrestor) filter.
• Replace wall-to-wall carpet with wood or other hard flooring.
• Keep stuffed toys off the beds, and wash them weekly.
• Replace slatted blinds and cloth draperies with pull-down shades. They will not collect as much dust.
• Keep closets clean and closet doors closed.

Mold Spores

Keeping indoor humidity at less than 50% will keep mold spores down. To do so:

• Keep sinks and tubs dry and clean.
• Fix leaky pipes.
• Empty and wash refrigerator trays that collect water from the freezer.
• Defrost your refrigerator often.
• Use an exhaust fan in the bathroom when you are showering.
• Do not let damp clothes sit in a basket or hamper.
• Clean or replace shower curtains when you see mold on them.
• Check your basement for moisture and mold.
• Use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.

Pets can Make Asthma Worse

Keep pets with fur or feathers outside, if possible. If pets stay inside, keep them out of bedrooms and off upholstered furniture and carpets.

Wash pets once a week if possible.

If you have a central air conditioning system, use a HEPA filter to remove pet allergens from indoor air. Use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filters.

Wash your hands and change your clothes after playing with your pet.

Roaches and Rodents

Keep kitchen counters clean and free of food crumbs. Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink. Keep food in closed containers.

Do not let trash pile up inside. This includes bags, newspapers, and cardboard boxes.

Use roach traps. Wear a dust mask and gloves if you touch or are near rodents.

Other Triggers to Watch Out for

Do not use wood-burning fireplaces. If you need to burn wood, use an airtight wood-burning stove.

Do not use perfumes or scented cleaning sprays. Use trigger sprays instead of aerosols.

Discuss any other possible triggers with your provider and how to avoid them.

References

Bergstrom J, Kurth M, Hieman BE, et al. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement website. Health Care Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. 11th ed. www.icsi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Asthma.pdf. Updated December 2016. Accessed April 27, 2022.

Custovic A, Tovey E. Allergen control for prevention and management of allergic diseases. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma Management Guidelines: Focused Updates 2020. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma-management-guidelines-2020-updates. Updated February 4, 2021. Accessed April 27, 2022.

Rank MA, Schatz M. Asthma in adolescents and adults. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:859-865.

Vishwanathan RK, Busse WW. Management of asthma in adolescents and adults. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 52.

Review Date:1/17/2022
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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