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Asthma Triggers & Attacks

Lots of things can trigger asthma symptoms or a flare-up: cigarette smoke, mold, even cold air. If you have asthma and inhale one of these triggers your body responds by releasing inflammatory substances produced by defensive cells. This makes your airways inflamed and constricted, so you cough, wheeze, and have trouble breathing...

Common triggers of an asthma attack include (they can be different for everyone):

• Cigarette smoke
• Cockroaches
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pets and animals
• Pollen
• Cold air
• Exercise
• Stress
• Respiratory infections

Trigger-tamers: a checklist

Since several things in and around your home can set off asthma attacks, try these trigger-reducing suggestions to lessen the effects:

Trigger Source		Taming Tip
	Kitchen — Mold/dust from the refrigerator	Clean the drip pan, cooling fan, grill 3-4 times a year
	Bathroom — Mold on damp, dark surfaces	Clean bathrooms 3 times weekly with unscented products; use exhaust fan
	Living room — Dust in carpets	Remove carpets; use only low-pile carpets; vacuum twice weekly with a double-bag and HEPA system
	Smoke: cigarettes and wood-burning fireplaces	Ban inside smoking; check fireplace vents; switch to gas-burning fireplace
	Mold from houseplants	Move/grow plants outside; use ceramic/clay containers, not wicker
	Basement — Mold & humidity	Clean heating system annually; clean/change furnace air filters monthly; install electronic air filter or whole-house HEPA filter; keep home humidity under 50%
	Bedrooms — Dust: carpets, closets, surfaces	Remove carpets; wet-mop floors weekly; use washable throw rugs, wash weekly in hot water; use only low-pile carpets; vacuum twice weekly with double-bag and HEPA system. Remove trophies/knickknacks, or display in closed case; clean out closet; store clothing elsewhere
	Dust mites in bedding	Encase pillows/mattresses in mite-proof coverings; wash bedding weekly in hot water; avoid down comforters and feather pillows
	Pets	Keep animals out of bedrooms, outside if possible. Bathe pets (even cats) regularly. Keep fish tanks small to reduce humidity
	Windows	Keep windows closed; use air conditioner (avoid contact when air conditioner first turned on due to accumulated dust/pollen). Use a HEPA room air cleaner. Use shades, not blinds; use light, washable curtains, wash in hot water weekly
	Concrete slab room	Use hardwood or linoleum floors-not wood; use a dehumidifier
	Home heating system — Dust, mold	Avoid forced hot-air systems; seal vents, replace with electronic heating system; install hot-water radiant-heat system
	Mold from landscaping	Keep grass trimmed to less than 1 inch; trim shrubs and trees to reduce mold-promoting shade.