Many things can cause asthma symptoms to start; these are called triggers.
Every child's asthma triggers are different. Sometimes it can be difficult
to figure out exactly what your child's asthma triggers are. Work with your
child's doctor or nurse to identify your child's specific triggers. It is
important to try to control your child's exposure to the triggers that make
his or her asthma worse.
*Irritants* and *allergies* are the two main types of asthma triggers:
Irritants Irritants are substances that irritate the nose, throat, or
airways. Common irritants include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Strong smells
- Colds or other respiratory illnesses
- Chemicals
- Air pollutants
- Weather conditions
Allergies Many children with asthma also have allergies, which can make
asthma worse. With allergies, a child's immune system becomes sensitive to
allergens, which can include:
- pollen
- pet dander
- dust mites
- mold and mildew
- cockroaches
These allergens can increase inflammation (swelling) in the airways and
trigger asthma. With continued inflammation, the airways become even more
sensitive to triggers. Other triggers *Exercise*
Exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and
dry air. Long-term strenuous activities such as long distance running, are
most likely to induce asthma. Swimming is the least likely.
*Respiratory Infections and Sinusitis *
Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and
sinuses, and worsens asthma.
*Gastroesophageal Reflux *
GERD, characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is also sometimes
found in children with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, coughing,
belching, or infants spitting up.
*Sensitivity to Medications *
These medications may cause asthmatic attacks due to sensitivities or
allergies:
- aspirin
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen,
indomethacin, naproxen
- sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverage
Before giving your child any medication, including over-the-counter, talk
with your child's physician. *Emotional Anxiety and Nervous Stress *
Reactions from stress and anxiety are considered to be more of an effect
than a cause. They can cause fatigue, which may affect the immune system
and, in turn, increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack.
How to limit exposure to irritants:
- *Smoke* - Do not allow family and friends to smoke anywhere inside
the house. Do not allow smoking in the car at any time. Smoke is very
irritating in an enclosed area and its odor may be trapped in the car's
upholstery for a long period of time and continue to trigger symptoms. When
eating out, always sit in non-smoking sections of restaurants. You should
also have non-smoking childcare providers.
- *Strong perfumes/odors* - Your child should avoid things that have a
strong smell such as cleaning products, perfumes, hair spray, tar, fresh
paint, gasoline, insect sprays, and room deodorizers. Avoid spraying these
things and using cleaning solutions when your child is home.
- *Germs* - Teach your child to wash her hands often, which will
decrease her likelihood of catching a cold or the flu. Many children with
asthma should get the flu shot each year. Check with your child's doctor to
see if this is right for your child.
- *Chemicals* - Your child should avoid being near things like coal,
chalk and talcum powder. Air pollutants Weather conditions -- changes in
temperature, barometric pressure, humidity and strong winds
- *Air pollutants* - Keep your child away from air pollutants such as
smog and exhaust from cars or factories as much possible.
How to limit exposure to allergies: If you think your child may have
allergies, talk to your child's pediatrician or nurse about getting a
referral to an allergist. An allergist can do skin tests on your child to
find out exactly what he is allergic to and what your child should avoid so
he can breathe easier.
- *Dust*
Dust mites, tiny insect-like creatures found in mattresses, carpets
and upholstered furniture, thrive in warm, humid conditions and feed on the
shed scales of human skin. You can prevent allergy symptoms caused by dust
mites by limiting your child's exposure to them. Pay attention to the
room(s) where your child spends most of her time.
- *beds* - Beds should have wooden or metal frames. Don't have
your child sleep on a couch or hide-a-bed sofa. If your child sleeps in a
bunk bed, he should sleep in the top bunk.
- *mattress/box spring* - Cover mattresses and box springs with
zippered, dust-proof covers and put electrical or duct tape over the
zippers.
- *pillows* - Put pillows in dust-proof covers. Pillows should
be made of Dacron or other synthetic fiber. Never use foam, feather or
"down" pillows.
- *bedding* - Wash bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets and
comforters) in very hot water, which kill the dust mites. Dry
the bedding in
a dryer instead of hanging outdoors where pollen may stick to them while
wet. Do not use wool or down blankets.
- *floor coverings* - Avoid having wall-to-wall carpeting in
your home. If you can't get rid of carpeting, vacuum it often (at least
twice a week) and change the vacuum filter or bag periodically.
Vacuum when
your child with asthma is away and will not return to the room
for several
hours because of the dust that can be stirred up. Use
multi-layered vacuum
bags instead of regular single layer bags. Wood, tile, or vinyl flooring
should be mopped at least weekly, and avoid using rugs on these floors.
- *closets* - Closets should store only clothing and should also
be dusted and cleaned as often as the rooms. Keep clothes in closets, and
not lying around the room.
- *furnace (heating)* - Electric or gas heat is better than wood
stoves or kerosene heaters. Change air filters on the furnace every month
and cover furnace outlets with filters. This will catch dust from the
furnace before it can get into the air.
- *air purifier* - HEPA filter units can help to remove airborne
allergens.
- *air conditioners* - Change or clean filters in either window
units or central air-conditioning systems each month. Keep
windows closed,
especially in the summer.
- *walls* - Try not to put up pennants, pictures, wreaths,
flower arrangements or other dust catchers on the walls.
- *window coverings* -Put up window shades instead of heavy
curtains or Venetian/mini blinds. If you have curtains, wash
them each month
in hot water.
- *humidifier* - Humidifiers can make dust mites grow because of
the high humidity. Instead, use a dehumidifier and keep humidity at less
than 50 percent in your home.
- *furniture* -Instead of upholstered (stuffed) furniture,
furnish your home with trendy wooden or plastic furniture. Avoid open
shelving that will constantly need to be dusted.
- *playing* - Keep your child from jumping on beds or playing on
carpeted floors, and avoid fabric toys or stuffed animals. If
your child has
stuffed animals, wash them in hot water often, or place them in
the freezer
overnight at least once a week to kill the dust mites and then shake them
out. Store other toys in a toy chest with the lid closed to keep
them from
collecting dust.
- *sleeping and napping* - Your child should nap or sleep in her
own dust-free bed only. When traveling, make sure she takes a
non-allergic
pillow with her. Do not have stuffed animals in the bed. If
necessary, limit
them to one or two favorites and clean them as above.
- *Pollens*
Pollens can be high between February and November in many areas. If
your child is allergic to pollen, keep the windows in your car and in your
house closed and use air conditioning to keep cool instead.
- *Animal dander *
Pets with fur or feathers can cause trigger allergies. Avoid having
pets with fur or feathers if your child is allergic to pet dander, and avoid
visiting other homes where there are certain pets.
- *Mold/Mildew*
Mold and mildew grow in dark, humid areas with poor ventilation. Make
sure no place in your home allows mold or mildew to grow.
- *outdoors* - Avoid damp, shady areas where mold or mildew can
grow. Clean up fallen leaves and avoid cutting the grass when
your child is
around. If your child is allergic to grass, trees or pollens, have him
shower or bathe, shampoo, and change his clothes when he comes inside.
- *bathrooms and kitchens* - Use exhaust fans when cooking or
using the shower to help keep mold or mildew from growing. Clean the area
with cleansers that contain bleach.
- *in the house* - Use the air conditioner, and avoid using
humidifiers, where mold/mildew can grow in the water tank. If
you use one,
clean it daily with bleach. It's better to keep indoor humidity
to less than
50 percent. Use a dehumidifier instead, and clean it daily also.
- *Cockroaches*
The substance that cockroaches leave behind can cause allergies in
some people. Cockroaches are often found in warm climates and in homes in
cities, but they also can be found in cooler climates because of the use of
central heat. Use roach traps or a professional exterminator to get rid of
cockroaches.
How exercise can help: Even though exercise can trigger asthma symptoms,
your child should not limit his participation in sports and exercise, unless
told to by his pediatrician. Exercise is good for the heart, lungs and a
child's overall health.
Some sports such as running long distances and playing basketball may be
harder for your child to do, but there are many activities which are great
for children with asthma such as swimming, golf and karate.
Always make sure your child has a warm-up and cool-down period before and
after exercising, and alert coaches or instructors that your child has
asthma. Have your child use her reliever medication 15 to 20 minutes before
starting exercise, or as directed by her physician. If your child needs her
quick reliever more than twice weekly, talk to your child's health care
provider about a daily controller medicine.
