Asthma Triggers

Because you have asthma, your airways are very sensitive. They may react to things called triggers (stimuli that can cause asthma episodes). Your airways may become swollen, tighten up, and produce excess mucus in the presence of one or more of the triggers below. These triggers may make asthma symptoms worse or keep you from getting better. It's important to find out what your asthma triggers are. Learn ways to avoid them. If you cannot avoid triggers, and your medicine plan does not work as well as you and your doctor think it should, you both should discuss allergy shots (immunotherapy).

• Ask your doctor to help you find out what your triggers are.

• Ask your doctor for help in deciding which actions will help the most to reduce your asthma symptoms.

• Number each act on item in order of importance. Carry out these actions first. Once you have completed these actions, move on to actions that are of lesser importance.

• Discuss the results of these efforts with your doctor.

____ Stay indoors during the midday and afternoon when the pollen count is high.

____ Use air conditioning, if possible.

____ Keep windows closed during seasons when pollen and mold are highest.

____ Avoid sources of molds (wet leaves, garden debris).

These are actions you should take to gain control of dust mites:

____ Encase your mattress and box spring in an airtight cover.

____ Either encase your pillow or wash it once a week every week.

____ Avoid sleeping or lying on upholstered furniture.

____ Remove carpets that are laid on concrete.

____ Wash your bed covers, clothes, and stuffed toys once a week in hot (130 F) water.

These actions will also help you gain control of dust mites-but they are not essential:

____ Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier if needed.

____ Remove carpets from your bedroom.

____ Use chemical agents to kill mites or to change mite antigens in the house.

____ Avoid using a vacuum or being in a room while it is being vacuumed.

____ If you must vacuum, one or more of the following things can be done to reduce the amount of dust you breathe in.

• Use a dust mask.

• Use a central vacuum cleaner with the collecting bag outside the home.

• Use a vacuum cleaner that has powerful suction.

Animal Dander (or flakes in the skin, hair, or feathers of all warm-blooded pets including dogs, cats, birds, and rodents). There is no such thing as an allergen-free dog. The length of a pet's hair does not matter. The allergen is in the saliva, urine, and dander.

____ Remove the animal from the house or school classroom.

____ If you must have a pet, keep the pet out of your bedroom at all times.

____ If there is forced air heating in the home with a pet, close the air ducts in your bedroom.

____ Wash the pet weekly.

____ Avoid visits to friends or relatives with pets.

____ Take asthma medicine (cromolyn or beta2-agonist; cromolyn is often preferred) before visiting homes or sites where animals are present.

____ Choose a pet without fur or feathers (such as a fish or a snake).

____ Avoid products made with feathers, for example, pillows and comforters.

Also avoid pillows, bedding, and furniture stuffed with kapok (silky fibers from the seed pods of the silk-cotton tree).

____ Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

____ Use insect sprays; but have someone else spray when you are outside of the home.

____ Air out the home for a few hours after spraying.

____ Use roach traps.

____ Keep bathrooms, kitchens, and basements well aired.

____ Clean bathrooms, kitchens, and basements regularly.

____ Do not use humidifiers.

____ Use dehumidifiers for damp basement areas, with humidity level set for less than 50 percent but above 25 percent. Empty and clean unit regularly.

____ Do not smoke.

____ Do not allow smoking in the home.

____ Have household members smoke outside.

____ Do not allow any smoking in your bedroom. Encourage family members to quit smoking. Their doctor can help them quit.

____ Use an indoor air-cleaning device (for smoke, mold, and dander).

____ Avoid using a wood burning heat stove to heat your home. The smoke increases lower respiratory symptoms.

____ Avoid using kerosene heaters.

____ Do not stay in your home when it is being painted. Allow enough time for the paint to dry.

____ Avoid perfume and perfumed cosmetics such as talcum powder and hair spray.

____ Do not use room deodorizers.

____ Use non-perfumed household cleaning products whenever possible.

____ Reduce strong cooking odors (especially frying) by using a fan and opening windows.

____ Avoid air pollution by staying indoors on days when the pollution count is high.

____ Avoid people with colds or the flu.

____ Get rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

____ Talk to your doctor about flu shots.

____ Do not take over-the-counter cold remedies, such as antihistamines and cough syrup, unless you speak to your doctor first.

____ Work out a medicine plan with your doctor that allows you to exercise without symptoms.

____ Take inhaled beta2-agonist or medicine before exercising.

____ Warm-up before doing exercise and cool-down afterwards.

____ Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in cold weather.

____ Pull a turtleneck over your nose on windy or cold days.

____ Dress warmly in the winter and on windy days.

Remember: Making these changes will help keep asthma episodes from starting. An asthma trigger control plan is an important part of controlling asthma.

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