Infections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an asthma attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Asthma triggers are materials, conditions, or activities that either worsen asthma symptoms or cause an asthma flare-up. Allergic Asthma Attack: When Do You Need to Go to the Hospital? Last medically reviewed on August 2, 2016, Eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables may help improve asthma symptoms. An asthma attack can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, such as tree, grass or weed pollen, dust mites, cockroaches or animal dander.Other common triggers are irritants in the … Dander is one trigger, and all animals have it (some more than others). Wildfire smoke from burning wood or other plants is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles. High humidity increases the risk for mold and mildew growth. Gut health is key to overall health, therefore, taking care of anything going on within the gut, can help relieve symptoms of asthma… If you have severe asthma, you're at a higher risk for an asthma attack. Pet dander from cats and dogs is a common trigger for people with asthma, as many are allergic. Though you can’t see it coming, you definitely can prevent its trigger by avoiding certain circumstances, material or environment known as Asthma triggers. Asthma triggers are common, which is precisely what makes them so troublesome. 5 common asthma triggers. Work with your doctor to identify your asthma triggers. Lots of common medication allergies can also be triggers. Humidity levels change over the course of a day, so check the humidity levels more than once a day. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to maintain low indoor humidity. Allergies – Many asthma sufferers have allergies. 1. Common triggers include cold and flu, dust mites, smoke, exercise and pollen. Use safer products. Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing In some cases, asthma is associated with substances you may be exposed to at work. Use allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself. What are common asthma triggers? Call an exterminator or use roach gels to reduce the number of bugs in your home. Infections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an asthma attack. This pollution can come from many sources, including factories, cars, or wildfire smoke. These include aspirin and other … Read on…, If you live with allergic asthma, there are steps you can take to manage your condition and make day-to-day life easier. Move away from the trigger (such as the area that was cleaned) if you experience an asthma attack, and follow your. Visit these … Improve ventilation by turning on exhaust fans. When the airway comes into contact with one of many asthma triggers, it becomes inflamed, constricts, and fills with mucus. Clean visibly dirty surfaces before disinfecting. Using a high efficiency filter (MERV 13 or higher) with your heating and cooling system can help keep air clean by removing particles such as smoke, pollen, and traffic pollution from the air. Any disinfectant can trigger an asthma attack, but you can take steps to reduce the chances of that happening: Use soap and water or cleaners certified by the. Purchase dust-proof covers for your mattress, box spring, and sofa. Mold and mildew are two big asthma triggers. Get rid of mold in your home to help control your attacks. Replace absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, if mold is present. If you have asthma and are allergic to dust mites, they can trigger an asthma attack. These include: 1. If you can’t or don’t want to find a new home for the pet, decrease your exposure by: People with asthma are not allergic to their pet’s fur, so trimming a pet’s fur will not help your asthma. Physical activity is important for your overall health, and it’s a risk worth taking. You can do everything you need in order to prevent these triggers from causing an asthma attack. Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. Don’t forget to inspect your home’s outside to see where bugs might be hiding. Different types of triggers There are two types of asthma triggers: Inflammatory (allergic) triggers set off an allergic reaction and can cause inflammation of the lung airways or tightening of the airway … Sinus infections and acid reflux can also cause an asthma flare-up, as can some medicines. Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step toward controlling your … Know your triggers and learn how to avoid them. Get yourself tested for allergies. Avoid overuse of products. Asthma UK has more information on asthma triggers. Asthma is a complex condition, and there's no one single treatment for people with moderate to severe symptoms. Exposure to cold weather may also cause a flare-up in some people. Most air filters will not remove disinfectant vapors, though. At least every 2 to 3 days, vacuum or sweep areas that might attract cockroaches or mice. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Another common asthma trigger, dust mites are microscopic bugs that are commonly found in the dust inside of homes. Run the bathroom exhaust fan or open the window when showering. Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water. To learn more about mold cleanup in the home after a flood see Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters. Once you know your triggers, trying to avoid them may help control your asthma symptoms. Additionally, … Vacuum carpets, area rugs, and floors regularly using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. If you think a furry pet may be causing attacks, you may want to find the pet another home. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to replace the filter as needed. Seal cracks or openings in cabinets, walls, baseboards, and around plumbing. Some tips to help you eliminate these asthma … These are things that are harmless to most people, but can cause flare-ups in kids with asthma. The trigger: Dust mites According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, dust mites are one of the most common triggers for asthma and allergies. Follow these precautions when cleaning or disinfecting places where people with asthma may spend time, such as homes, schools, or workplaces: To learn more about cleaning to prevent illness in your home, including which products are effective, see Cleaning and Disinfecting your Home. Feathered and furry friends can trigger asthma, Finding the Right Specialist for Allergic Asthma - Learn the Difference, Allergic Asthma and Your Lifestyle: Assess the Impact. Be sure to toss out any shower curtains, rugs, leaves, or firewood with mold or mildew. If you have asthma, an asthma attack can happen when you are exposed to “asthma triggers.” Your triggers can be very different from those of someone else with asthma. Wash linens on the hottest water setting. Using an air cleaner with HEPA filter, and. If you have asthma and you smoke, quit smoking. If you have carpeting in your home, it may be time to bid adieu and have hardwood floors put down instead. Follow @CDCasthma on Twitter to learn more about helping people with asthma live healthier lives by gaining control over their asthma. Perfumes and heavily scented items can aggravate your airways. There are many types of mold which can be found in any climate. Saving Lives, Protecting People, EPA’s 6 steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use, Adults – Medical clinics/physicians’ office, Children – Hospital emergency departments, Children – Medical clinics/physicians’ office, Mixed Age Groups – Medical clinics/physicians’ office, Pregnant Women – Medical clinics/physicians’ office, Health care providers – Medical clinics/physicians’ office, State and City Asthma Contacts and Programs, Historical Information:  Asthma at a Glance 2002-2010, 1A. Pets and animals, while adorable, can trigger an asthma episode in people who are allergic to them. Exposure to pollen, air pollution, cigarette smoke, and fumes from burning vegetation can make your asthma flare up. To help limit your exposure to asthma triggers, follow a schedule for cleaning and disinfecting to prevent overuse of products. When you are exposed to bothersome allergens, you may experience asthma or allergy symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, runny nose, and/or watery eyes. Remember, for most … Open doors and windows to bring in fresh air, if it’s safe to do so. Air conditioning reduces indoor air pollutants, such as pollen, and it lowers the humidity in the room or house. “Secondhand smoke” is smoke created by a smoker and breathed in by a second person. A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that are in many homes. To prevent attacks: Outdoor air pollution can trigger an asthma attack. Common asthma triggers include: allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander dirty air (irritants or pollutants) Allergens like dust and mold. Keep relative humidity levels in the home low, around 30- 50%. For some people, asthma can be triggered by exercise, infections, cold air, gastroesophageal reflux disease or stress. Airway obstruction. Stress, anxiety, and other strong emotions can also trigger fast breathing. Exhausting the air (blowing it outside) is the most effective way to remove disinfectant vapors. Dry damp or wet items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth. Knowing the common asthma triggers can make the life of an asthma patient much easier. Some of the most common causes of occupational asthma … Ensure that products with hydrogen peroxide or ethanol do not contain other chemicals that can cause an asthma attack such as peroxyacetic acid or peracetic acid. Though allergic asthma is very common, there are other types of asthma with different kinds of triggers. For buildings with heating or cooling systems that have fresh (outdoor) air intakes, turn on the fresh air intake to bring in fresh air. 1. Make sure there is enough air flow (ventilation). People who are highly sensitive to dust will have a difficult time avoiding it. Dust and mold are allergens that may bring on an attack or make your asthma … Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma attack whether or not you are allergic to mold. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Dry completely. It is also known as exercise-induced … These bugs and their droppings are a potential asthma trigger. Be wise about incorporating physical activity, exercise, and outdoor activities into your life. Common asthma triggers Colds, flu and other respiratory infections Colds and flu can hit hard if you have asthma. 1. Although you can’t cure asthma, you can control it. Cockroaches aren’t just creepy; they can make you sick, too. Asthma can be stressful and challenging. This irritation in your airway or fast breathing can cause an asthma flare-up too. This is known as occupational asthma. Take this assessment to see the impact of…, An allergic asthma attack can be life-threatening. Strategies for Managing the Symptoms of Allergic Asthma, Asthma and Your Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid, Tips for Tracking Your Severe Asthma Triggers, 4 Changes I Made to Manage My Severe Asthma Symptoms, Finding the Right Specialist for Allergic Asthma: Learn the Difference, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. This reduces your risk of exposure to dust mites and your risk of having a flare-up. Wash your bedding weekly and dry it completely. Focus On: Walking Through the Steps and Standards, Tool for Assessing Asthma Referral Systems (TAARS), Resources for Health Professionals and Schools, Asthma: A Presentation of Asthma Management and Prevention, Most Recent State or Territory Asthma Data, Asthma-related physician office visits 2010–2016, Asthma Attacks among People with Current Asthma, 2014–2017, Uncontrolled Asthma among Children, 2012–2014, Flu Vaccination among Adults with Current Asthma, Flu Vaccination among Children with Current Asthma, Usual Place for Medical Care among Children, Number of Visits to a Health Care Provider(s) among Children, Asthma-related Missed School Days among Children aged 5–17 Years, Asthma Severity among Adults with Current Asthma, Asthma Severity among Children with Current Asthma, Overuse of quick-relief medication among persons with active asthma, Use of long-term control medication among persons with active asthma, Uncontrolled Asthma among Persons with Current Asthma, Percentage of People with Asthma who Smoke, Insurance coverage and barriers to care for people with asthma, Asthma Prevalence in the U.S.: Slide set [PPTX – 3.8 MB], Measures to Identify and Track Racial Disparities in Childhood Asthma, Table 10: Examples of Some Possible Response Scenarios, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. If exercise-induced asthma is a concern, talk with your doctor about medications that help prevent asthma flare-ups when you’re physically active. Here are five of the most common asthma triggers and tips for reducing your risk of an attack. Because knowing and understanding potential asthma triggers can help you more effectively manage your asthma, we put together a guide to common asthma triggers… Avoid using bleach (sodium hypochlorite) or quaternary ammonium compounds in enclosed spaces and limit their use. 2 Once in the airways, they set off a reaction that leads to asthma symptoms: wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. You can prevent flare-ups from these triggers by being aware of damp places in your kitchen, bath, basement, and around the yard. Infections, viruses, and diseases that affect your lungs can trigger your asthma. In some cases, avoiding all of your asthma triggers can be difficult. An allergy to a food can trigger asthma. Avoid using sprays and foggers as these can cause asthma attacks. Common allergens include house dust mites, animal dander, molds, pollen and cockroach … Cockroaches and other pests are often found where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. Do not mix chemical products together. Common asthma triggers include respiratory infections, allergens, irritants, exercise and emotions. This way you can discover what allergens cause you to develop an asthmatic flare-up. This “allergic asthma” is the most common form of asthma. Make your home a smoke-free zone. Exercise can be a common asthma trigger, but this is one trigger you shouldn’t avoid. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Work-related asthma. Fix water leaks, such as leaky plumbing, which let mold grow behind walls and under floors as soon as you can. Secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to an allergen (such as ragweed, pollen, animal dander or dust mites), irritants in the air (such as smoke, chemical fumes or strong … Common food triggers include peanuts and shellfish. Physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms or high humidity; breathing in cold, dry air; and some foods, food additives, and fragrances can also trigger an asthma attack. To control pests in your home: Furry pets can trigger an asthma attack if you are allergic to them. If you’re not ready to part ways with a beloved family pet, try keeping the animal out of your bedroom, off furniture, and outside most of the time if possible. Choose products for disinfecting that are less likely to cause an asthma attack, such as products with hydrogen peroxide (no stronger than 3%) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol). Strong emotions can lead to very fast breathing, called hyperventilation, that can also cause an asthma attack. Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma 2. Sinus infections, allergies, pollen, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger attacks. Encourage household members who smoke to quit. Avoid being outside during peak pollen times of day. The best way to avoid a flare-up from these triggers is to avoid the animal altogether. Sinus infections, allergies, pollen, breathing in some chemicals, and acid … Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean and free of clutter. Use air conditioning if you have it. Triggers spark asthma symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness in the lungs, and coughing, which may contribute to an asthma attack and the use of a rescue inhaler. Vacuum, sweep, and mop any areas where you see cockroaches. Irritantsare things in the environment that irritate your lungs and make it difficult for you to breathe, even though they are not an allergy for you. 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