Asthma Trigger

What you can do

Cockroach body parts and droppings

• Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean.
• Clean dishes, crumbs, and spills.
• Store food in air tight containers.
• Cover trash cans with lids.
• Use roach killers to control bugs up to four weeks.
• Seal crevices, wall cracks and floor gaps.

Mold and mildew – can grow on damp things such as shower curtains, bath items, tubs, kitchen sinks, basins, and tiles

• Clean it using products that kill and prevent mold and mildew.
• Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom when showering and the kitchen when cooking or washing dishes.
• Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water as soon as possible.
• Air out damp, humid areas frequently. Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 25% and 50%.
• Avoid sources of outdoor molds, such as wet leaves or garden debris.
• When painting, add mold inhibitor to paint to prevent mold from growing.

Dust mites – live in sheets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, soft furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys

• Wash bed sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.  Dry completely.
• Encase pillows, mattresses, and box spring with allergen-proof, zippered covers.
• Non-carpeted flooring is best. If you cannot get rid of your carpeting, vacuum often with a multi-layer allergen-proof vacuum bag.  Wear a mask while vacuuming.  If your child has asthma, do not vacuum while he or she is in the room.
• Avoid curtains and drapes.  Use plain window shades instead of mini-blinds.  Washable curtains should be washed in hot water every 2 to 4 weeks.
• Dust all surfaces with a damp cloth often, including lampshades and windowsills.
• Replace traditional stuffed animals with washable stuffed animals.  Wash stuffed toys once a week.
• Cover air ducts with filters or cheesecloth.  Change these when soiled.

Secondhand smoke – asthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar, smoke breathed out by a smoker, smoke from a fireplace.

• Don’t smoke in your home or car.
• Don’t let anyone smoke in your home or car.
• Make sure your fireplace or wood-burning stove is vented well. Burn only well-seasoned wood.  Install glass doors on the fireplace to prevent smoke from entering your home.

Pets

• If you are allergic to animals, the most effective way to prevent symptoms is to not have any pets.
• If you already have a pet:  Keep pets outside if possible.
• If you have a pet inside, keep them out of the bedroom and off the furniture.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture often.
• If you have rabbits or guinea pigs, have a non-allergic person to clean out their cage.

Chemical irritants – found in products such as scented or unscented cleaners, paints, adhesives, cosmetics, air fresheners, etc.

• Read the instructions on the label.
• Make sure that windows or doors are open and use an exhaust fan.
• If someone in your home is extremely sensitive, try to clean when the asthma sufferer is not in the same room.

Outdoor triggers – air pollution, pollen, dust, emissions from cars, ozone

• Be aware of Air Quality Index (AQI) from your local TV station or newspaper.
• Postpone sports activities or other high-energy activities to avoid the period when air pollution levels are high.
• Reduce the intensity of activity or spend less time engaged in high-energy activities.