Lesson 3: Reducing Asthma Triggers

Back to Asthma Channel

So, you're an asthma trigger expert now, huh? Since, we wouldn't tell you about every lurking trigger and not tell you how to fight it, strap on your seatbelt and get ready for some trigger reduction tips!

In this lesson, you'll learn amazing ways to:

• Reduce indoor triggers
• Reduce outdoor triggers
• Reduce other triggers

Assignment #1
Just for fun, try the Great Asthma Trigger Busting Quiz! You know so much about asthma triggers by now that we bet you'll be able to figure out most of the answers.

Good Job! Let's move on to the next section. Warning: You may not want to read this section with your cat.

Luckily, since many of us can control the environment within our homes, we can take measures to address the allergens we face by reducing or eliminating their presence in our homes. Follow the nifty tips below to get rid of specific indoor allergens. The tips are separated by allergen, however many of them can also assist in the general allergy-proofing of your home. So, read them all!

• keep humidity below 50% throughout your home by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

• get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting as much as you can, especially if it's covering concrete floors.

• install hardwood, tile or linoleum floors if that is an option.

• try washable throw rugs and wash them frequently in hot water if you must have some kind of floor covering.

• pay special attention to ridding your bedroom of dust mites. You can wrap your mattress, box spring and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic or special allergen-proof fabric covers.

• wash bedding, couch covers and mattress pads weekly in hot water (130z??F) and dry in a hot drier.

• replace natural-fiber comforters, sheets, towels, and pillows with items made from synthetic fibers, or cover them with allergy-proof sheaths.

• keep surfaces clutter-free, with dust-collecting objects placed in drawers or in closed cabinets.

• vacuum weekly. Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter or a double bag, since using a standard or water-filtered vacuum cleaner stirs dust up into the air.

• wear a dust-mask when you clean. Avoid doing your own cleaning if that's an option for you.

• reduce contact with your pet if you are allergic to it's dander. Keep the pet out of the rooms where you spend the most time. Have non-allergic friends or family wash and brush the pet.

• If your symptoms become severe, send the pet to live with a non-allergic friend or family member until you and your allergist determine the best course of action.

• spend time with someone else's cat or dog to see if you're allergic before getting your own pet.

• consider getting a pet such as a turtle, hermit crab, fish, snake, or other animals without fur or feathers to avoid allergens.

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