|
Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Therefore,
indoor allergens and irritants can play a significant role in triggering
asthma attacks. It is important to recognize potential asthma triggers
in the indoor environment and reduce your exposure to those triggers.
You may not be affected by all of the triggers listed here. Your doctor
can help you to determine which triggers affect your asthma and develop
a customized asthma management plan. You can download an
Asthma Action Card (PDF, 2pp, 163 KB
About PDF) to help you
work with your doctor to customize an asthma action plan for your
individual circumstances.
When you and
your doctor make the plan, be sure to include:
-
Your child’s
asthma triggers.
-
Instructions
for asthma medicines.
-
What to do if
your child has an asthma attack.
-
When to
call your doctor.
-
Emergency
telephone numbers.
Some of the most
common indoor asthma triggers include secondhand smoke, dust mites,
mold, cockroaches and other pests, household pets, and combustion
byproducts. Click on the links below to learn more about these triggers
and how to reduce your exposure to them.
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is a
mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe or cigar and
the smoke exhaled by the smoker that is often found in homes and cars
where smoking is allowed.
Dust mites are
too small to be seen, but can be found in almost every home in
mattresses and bedding materials, carpets, upholstered furniture,
stuffed toys and curtains.
Mold
Mold can grow indoors
when mold spores land on wet or damp surfaces. In the home, mold is most
commonly found in the bathroom, kitchen and basement.
Cockroaches and other
Pests
Cockroach body parts,
secretions and droppings, and the urine, droppings and saliva of pests,
such as rodents, are often found in areas where food and water are
present.
Warm-Blooded Pets (such
as cats and dogs)
Pets' skin flakes,
urine and saliva can be found in homes where pets are allowed inside.
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen Dioxide is an
odorless gas that can be a byproduct of indoor fuel-burning appliances,
such as gas stoves, gas or oil furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and
un-vented kerosene or gas space heaters. |
More Information On Childhood Asthma Click Here. |
