Stay away from asthma triggers
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.
Asthma - Animation
Breathing is something we do without even thinking about it. But some people have a hard time breathing easily. They wheeze, cough, and just can't get enough air into their lungs. Let's talk about asthma. Normally when you breathe, oxygen-rich air enters your nose and mouth and travels to the airways in your lungs. But when you have an asthma attack, the muscles in your airways tighten. Your airways swell up and get narrower. It's like pressing on a straw when you're trying to drink through it. The more you press, the less of your drink can squeeze up through the straw. In the same way, less air can squeeze through tight airways into your lungs. So, what causes asthma? People with asthma have different triggers. Some people are sensitive to pet hair or dander. Others find that dust, pollen, smoke, or chemicals make them wheeze. You may have trouble breathing when you're under stress or working out at the gym. Often people with asthma have allergies that trigger their attacks. Others have a parent or other relative who has allergies. You may ask, how can you know for sure that you have asthma? During an asthma attack, you'll have trouble breathing. You may cough or wheeze as you try to draw air into your lungs. If you're having a severe attack, your lips and face may turn blue and you'll have a hard time getting any air. That's when it's time to call for emergency help. Your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and may do other tests to check your blood and lung function. To find out what's triggering your asthma, you may need to be tested for allergies to mold, pollen, pet dander, or other substances. To measure the strength of air flowing out of your lungs, you'll blow into a device called a peak flow meter. You can also use a peak flow meter to make sure you're keeping your asthma under control. Different medicines are used to prevent and treat asthma. Control drugs help you avoid asthma attacks, but you need to take them every day for them to work. You breathe in control drugs like Flovent and Pulmicort through an inhaler. If you're having an asthma attack, you can take a quick-relief drug to control your wheezing. Examples of quick-relief drugs include short-acting inhaled drugs and steroid medicines that you take by mouth. When you have asthma, you need to be prepared. Know your asthma triggers and try to avoid them. Carry an inhaler with you in case you have an asthma attack. If you ever have an attack that's so severe you can't breathe, call 911 or get emergency medical help.
Our homes can have asthma triggers, such as:
- The air we breathe
- Furniture and carpets
- Our pets
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.
Quitting
There are many ways to quit smoking. There are also resources to help you. Family members, friends, and co-workers may be supportive. But to be su...
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.
Dust mites
In people who have sensitive airways, allergy and asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called allergens, or triggers. It is i...
- 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.
Reviewed By
Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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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 February 12, 2024.
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