Asthma Triggers: Common Causes and Prevention
Overview
Some of the most common triggers of asthma symptoms are cigarette smoke, perfumes and strong odors, and cold air. Other environmental factors that can affect asthma patients include weather and climate changes, pollen, house dust, mold, and animals.
Smoking
Pipe, cigarette, and cigar smoking is harmful to children and adults in general, but smoking causes particular problems for children with asthma. Even smelling smoke on clothing can trigger asthma symptoms in a child with allergic sensitivity in the airways leading to the lungs.
Pollen
Lightweight pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees can travel several miles. Pollen attacks the eyes, nose, and airways leading to the lungs, causing asthma symptoms. Flower pollen is heavier and rarely causes allergies. To reduce the harmful effects of pollen, the following is recommended:
- Keep bedroom windows closed and use central air conditioning during allergy season.
- After working or playing outdoors during pollen season, your child should shower and change clothes immediately.
- Dirty clothes should be kept out of the sleeping area.
Mold
How can I stop mold and fungal growth in my home?
Mold is present year-round throughout the home, outdoors, and in some foods — especially in high-humidity areas.
- Run a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 25% and 50%. Dehumidifiers limit mold growth in damp areas such as basements.
- Areas that get wet from rain are ideal environments for mold growth and should be repaired.
- Use air conditioners when possible.
- Clean bathrooms regularly using products that kill and prevent mold.
- Foam in pillows and mattresses can create ideal conditions for mold growth. Replace pillows with washable polyester ones and cover bedding with non-porous covers (e.g., plastic).
- When painting, add a mold inhibitor to the paint to prevent mold growth.
- Avoid outdoor mold sources, such as wet leaves or firewood in the garden.
House Dust
How can I protect myself from dust mites?
House dust consists of many things, including dirt, insect debris, dust mites, animal proteins, human skin particles, food crumbs, bacteria, fungi, and other materials. House dust accumulates on all household contents, including bedding, upholstered furniture, clothing, carpets, curtains, and stuffed animals.
- Cover pillows and bedding with allergy-proof covers that include zippers.
- Give your child washable toys stuffed with hypoallergenic materials when possible. Store regular toys, dolls, and play equipment outside the bedroom or in a closet.
- Wash all bedding in hot water approximately once a week.
- Uncarpeted floors are ideal. Carpet can be tolerated if vacuumed frequently and thoroughly. Ideally, vacuum early each day so dust settles before nap time or in bedrooms, and ensure areas under furniture and closets are cleaned.
- Change heater and air conditioner filters regularly.
- Dust regularly, including lampshades and windows, using a damp cloth.
- Store children’s toys and books on shelves, in drawers, or in closed cabinets.
- Keep all clothes in drawers and closets.
- Avoid feather pillows and bedding.
- Maintain low indoor humidity (25–50%) using a dehumidifier.
Animals
Animal saliva, dander, and urine can cause allergies in many people. All fur-covered animals have the potential to trigger allergic reactions.
How can I protect myself from pet-related asthma triggers?
- It is preferable not to own any pets if you have severe allergies.
- Definitely avoid pets that have been shown to cause you allergic reactions.
- Avoid long visits to friends and family who have pets in their homes.
- If you must have a cat or dog at home, restrict where it lives and moves.
- Bathe the animal with water weekly.
- Remove as much carpet as possible, as pet hair can remain in carpet even after the animal is gone.
