AsthmaCenter.us
ASTHMA TRIGGERS What brings on your asthma symptoms? Things that bring on asthma attacks are called “asthma triggers”. These are some known asthma triggers that affect many people with asthma and very brief tips on how to avoid them. Some of these triggers only affect people who are allergic to them, such as animals. Dust: Avoid dusty places. Mop your floor or the clean surfaces of your furniture with dust-wipe cloths such as “Swiffer”. Alternatively damp-mop your floors and wipe all the surfaces of your furniture and windowsills with a wet cloth. Get rid of stuffed animals that cannot be washed. Mold: Mold grows in damp areas like basements, around leaking faucets, or on dead leaves. Use a dehumidifier to remove dampness in the basement. Do not walk through piles of dead leaves. Animals: Get rid of furry animals such as cats or dogs and replace them with animals without fur (such as fish or reptiles). If you cannot get rid of your animals, at least keep them outside of the house and do not sleep with them. Get rid of birds. Pollen: You should use additional medication during the pollen season. Keep all the windows closed and clean your house frequently. When you return home after being outside, you should take a shower to wash off all the pollens and change clothes. Smoke: Cigarette smoke is absolutely bad for asthmatics. Nobody should be allowed to smoke inside of your house. Do not go to places where there are a lot of smokers. Strong odors: Paint, perfume, gasoline, spray chemicals, and anything with a strong smell can start asthma. Stay away from them. Exercise, playing hard or running around a lot: Take quick relief medication (Albuterol, Maxair) before you start exercising or go out to play. You should be able to tolerate heavy exercise when your asthma is well controlled. Take your long-term control medication everyday. Colds or flu: Colds or flu can bring out bad asthma attacks. Make sure you get a flu shot every fall before the winter starts. Try to avoid crowded places during the flu season. Weather change: Discuss with your doctor about taking extra medicine during times of severe weather change. Cold air can start asthma. Take Cromolyn before you walk out into cold air. Body powder or baby powder: When asthmatic patients inhale powder, it will bring on asthma symptoms. Body powder can be spread easily on the floor and in the air. Do not use body powder or baby powder on an asthmatic child. Ask everyone in the house not to use body powder. Pediatric Allergy and Tel: (312) 996-6714 Fax: (312) 413-8694
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