Taking Control of Your Asthma: A Guide to Indoor Triggers
Did you know that Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors? This means that indoor allergens and irritants can play a major role in triggering asthma attacks. If you have asthma, it’s important to identify your triggers and take steps to reduce your exposure to them.
This article from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will help you learn about common indoor asthma triggers and how to manage them.
What are Asthma Triggers?
Asthma triggers are things that can cause asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to work with your doctor to identify yours.
Common Indoor Asthma Triggers:
Secondhand Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
Dust Mites: These tiny bugs live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Their droppings can trigger asthma symptoms.
Molds: Mold spores can grow in damp areas of your home and trigger asthma attacks.
Cockroaches and Pests: Droppings or body parts of cockroaches and other pests can trigger asthma symptoms.
Pets: Proteins in pet dander (flecks of skin) can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.
Nitrogen Dioxide: This gas can come from gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and wood-burning fireplaces. It can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
Chemical Irritants: Chemicals found in cleaning products, air fresheners, and other household products can irritate the lungs and trigger asthma attacks.
What You Can Do:
Talk to your doctor: Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan that identifies your triggers and outlines steps to manage them.
Reduce exposure to triggers: Once you know your triggers, take steps to reduce your exposure to them. Here are some tips for the common triggers listed above:
Secondhand Smoke: Don’t allow smoking inside your home or car.
Dust Mites: Wash bedding in hot water weekly, use dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses, vacuum carpets and furniture regularly, and dust often with a damp cloth.
Molds: If you see mold, clean it up with soap and water. Fix leaky faucets and pipes to prevent moisture build-up.
Cockroaches and Pests: Keep food stored in airtight containers, seal cracks around cabinets, and use traps or baits to control pests.
Pets: If you are highly allergic to pet dander, consider finding another home for your pet. If you must keep your pet indoors, keep them out of your bedroom and off of furniture.
Nitrogen Dioxide: Make sure all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, used, and maintained. Consider using appliances vented to the outdoors.
Chemical Irritants: Look for fragrance-free cleaning products and air fresheners. Open windows and doors when using cleaning products.
Resources:
The EPA’s Asthma website: https://www.epa.gov/asthma
Download infographics for each asthma trigger: https://www.epa.gov/asthma
Find resources for parents, caregivers, kids and healthcare professionals: https://www.epa.gov/asthma
By taking steps to identify and manage your asthma triggers, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
