Asthma Triggers and How to Avoid Them

Many asthma triggers are invisible. Follow these guidelines to reduce the sources of irritation that may cause asthma flare-ups.

Colds and Flu

• Get a flu shot.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Secondhand Smoke

• Don’t allow smoking in your home or in your car. (“No Smoking” signs make good reminders.)
• If you need help to quit smoking, call the PA Quitline toll-free at 1-877-724-1090.

Dust Mites

• Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers.
• Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
• Choose washable stuffed toys for children and wash them often in hot water.
• Don’t put stuffed toys on your child’s bed.
• Change furnace filters once a month.

Pet Dander

• Keep your dogs and cats outdoors or consider finding a new home for your pets.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms.
• Cover heat vents in your child’s room with cloth filters.
• Don’t let pets sit on fabric-covered furniture.
• Wipe off wood, metal and plastic furniture every week.

Pests (Roaches & insects)

• Don’t leave food lying around. Store all food in airtight containers. Empty the trash every day.
• Wipe up all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
• Use roach traps.
• If you must use bug spray, make sure to spray when your child is not at home and air out the room for several hours before they come back.

Mold

• Wash mold off counters, walls and other hard surfaces and dry completely.
• Scrub shower walls and shower curtain with bleach at least once a month.
• Fix leaky faucets or windows that might let in water.
• Don’t put plants in your child’s bedroom.
• Use a dehumidifier in your home to reduce moisture.