WHAT IS ASTHMA?
Asthma is very common among children, teens and
adults. It is a disease that causes the airways of
the lungs to tighten. An asthma attack is when your
lungs aren’t getting enough air to breathe. Symptoms
of an asthma attack are:
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
WHAT IS AN ASTHMA
TRIGGER?
Things that cause asthma attacks are called
triggers. While outdoor asthma triggers are
essential out of our control, much can be done to
effectively limit indoor triggers such as mold, dust
mites, secondhand smoke, cockroaches and dander from
cats and dogs.
COMMON INDOOR ASTHMA TRIGGERS
1. MOLD
Mold grows on damp things such as shower
curtains, bath items, tubs, basins and
tiles.
What you can do.
- If you see mold on a surface, clean
it up with a mildewcide cleaner. Avoid
bleach which tends to exacerbate mold
problems. If you suspect that mold goes
beyond the surface or in hidden areas,
it is best to have a certified mold
inspector provide a full assessment. A
professional inspector will have
state-of-the-art equipment for detecting
hidden mold problems.
- Use exhaust fans or open a window in
the bathroom when showering, in the
kitchen when cooking or washing dishes,
and in the laundry room when washing and
drying clothes. If you do not have fans
in these areas, consider having them
installed. Make sure exhaust fans are
ventilated to outdoors. Fans that
exhaust into attics and wall cavities
can cause mold growth.
- Fix leaky plumbing or other sources
of water intrusion as soon as possible.
Frequently inspect under sinks, around
toilets, bathtubs and showers for
moisture and unpleasant odors. Inspect
the exterior of your home for cracks
around windows and and other access
points for moisture. Make sure
sprinklers do not make contact with
exterior walls.
- If a mold problem already exists and
preventative measures are ineffective,
call Acme Abatement Technologies at
1-800-543-5905 to discuss corrective
measures.
2. DUST MITES
Dust mites are tiny bugs you can’t see. They
live in sheets, blankets, pillows,
mattresses, soft furniture, carpets, and
stuffed toys, such as stuffed animals.
What you can do.
- Wash bed sheets and blankets once a
week. Dry completely.
- Use dust-proof covers on pillows and
mattresses.
- Vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture
often.
- Wash stuffed toys. Dry completely.
3. SECOND HAND SMOKE
Asthma can be triggered by the smoke from
the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or
cigar, or the smoke breathed out by a
smoker.
What you can do
- Choose not to smoke in your home or
car, and don't allow others to do so
either.
- Don’t let anyone smoke near your
child.
- Pledge to make your home and car
smoke-free
4. COCKROACHES
Cockroach body parts and droppings may
trigger asthma attacks.
What you can do
- Keep counters, sinks, tables, and
floors clean.
- Clean dishes, crumbs, and spills.
- Store food in air tight containers.
- Cover trash cans.
5. CATS & DOGS
A warm-blooded animal's urine and saliva may
also trigger attacks.
What you can do
- Keep pets outside if possible.
- If you have a pet inside, keep them
out of the bedroom and off the
furniture.
- Vacuum carpets and furniture often.
6. NITROGEN DIOXIDE
Nitrogen dioxide is an odorless gas that can
irritate your eyes, nose, and throat and may
cause shortness of breath. This gas can come
from the use of appliances that burn fuels,
such as gas, wood, and kerosene.
What you can do
- If possible, use fuel-burning
appliances that are vented outside.
Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions on how to use these
appliances.
- Gas cooking stoves: Never use these
to keep you warm or heat your house. If
you have an exhaust fan, use it when you
cook.
- Unvented kerosene or gas space
heaters: Use the proper fuel and keep
the heater adjusted the right way. Open
a window slightly or use an exhaust fan.
- Wood stoves: Make sure the doors are
tight fitting. Follow the maker's
instructions for starting, burning, and
putting out the fire.
- Fireplaces: Always open the flue.
7. CHEMICAL IRRITANTS
Chemical irritants found in some products in
your house, such as scented or unscented
products, including cleaners, paints,
adhesives, pesticides, cosmetics, or air
fresheners, may make your child's asthma
worse.
What you can do
- Use these products less often and
make sure your child is not around when
you use the products. Also, consider
trying different products.
- Take great care to follow the
instructions on the label. If you use
these products, try to make sure that
windows or doors are open and that you
use an exhaust fan.
COMMON OUTDOOR ASTHMA TRIGGERS
Outdoor air pollution can trigger asthma.
Even healthy people can have trouble
breathing on high air pollution days. The
main air pollution triggers are small
particles, pollen and ozone. These come from
smoke, dust, and emissions from cars,
factories and power plants. In general,
ozone levels are highest in the summer, but
levels of particle pollution can be high any
time of year and are higher near busy roads.
Asthma attacks can occur the same day, but
may also occur the day after outdoor
pollution levels are high. When the
Air Quality Index (AQI) reports
unhealthy levels, limit physical exertion
outdoors.
What you can do
- Reschedule a high-energy outdoor
activity to avoid the period when air
pollution levels are high, or
reduce the intensity of the activity.
- Spend less time engaged in
high-energy activities.
- Postpone sports activities to
another time if air pollution levels are
very high.
- Check the air quality in your area
to find out if it's good or bad.
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) tells
you when the air outside is good or bad.
You can find information about daily air
pollution from your local TV station and
in the newspaper or
click here to visit the AIRNOW
website to find today's AQI
report.
REMEMBER:
People with asthma should avoid contact with or
exposure to molds. For more information on asthma
visit
www.noattacks.org [asthma
video].
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