ASTHMA

Want to Fight Childhood Asthma?

Did you know that things in the bath, blankets, or stuffed animals can trigger an asthma attack?

• Mold and dust mites trigger asthma.
• Mold grows in bath areas.
• Dust mites live in blankets and stuffed animals.

About Asthma 

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. Your child might be having an asthma attack if he or she has:

• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Chest tightness

What causes Asthma Attacks?

Things that cause asthma attacks are called triggers.

Triggers are everywhere.

Any home can be full of triggers like mold, dust mites secondhand smoke, cockroaches, cats and dogs.

Other asthma triggers may be air pollution (such as ozone, small particles, and pollen), foods, respiratory infections and exercise.

Asthma cannot be cured. But, with the help of a doctor and an asthma action plan, you can make sure your child stays active and healthy. Did you know? 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. Choose not to smoke in your home or car, and don't allow others to do so either.  Preventing Attacks   Step 1: Talk to a Doctor Talk to a doctor about your child’s asthma. If your child has asthma or if you think your child may have asthma, take your child to a doctor. Your doctor will work with you to keep your child from having asthma attacks. Learn what triggers your child’s asthma attacks. Identify asthma triggers in your home. Talk about ways to get rid of triggers in your home. Find out what medicine your child should take.   Step 2: Make a Plan Ask your doctor to help you create your child’s Asthma Action Plan. Work with your doctor to create an Asthma Action Plan that will help you learn to prevent your child’s asthma attacks. An Asthma Action Plan will help you control your child's asthma on a regular basis.   Step 3: Asthma-Proof Your Home Triggers are a part of everyday life. Asthma attacks can be triggered by things like mold growing on your shower curtain or tiny dust mites that live in blankets, pillow, or your child's stuffed animals. Did you know? Did you know molds can be found almost anywhere? They can grow on almost any damp or wet surface. The way to control mold is to get rid of moisture Triggers in Your Home    Mold Mold grows on damp things such as shower curtains, bath items, tubs, basins and tiles. What you can do? If you see mold, clean it up with soap and water. Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom when showering and the kitchen when cooking or washing dishes. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water as soon as possible. Dry damp or wet items within 1-2 days to avoid mold growth.   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.   Secondhand 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. Choose not to smoke in your home or car, and don't allow others to do so either. What you can do? Don’t smoke in your home or car. Don’t let anyone smoke near your child. Pledge to make your home and car smoke-free   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.   Cats and 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.   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.   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. Outdoor Triggers Air pollution can trigger your child's asthma. Even healthy people can have trouble breathing on high air pollution days. The main air pollution triggers are small particles (also known as particulate matter) 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, or Spend less time engaged in high-energy activities. Postpone sports activities to another time if air pollution levels are very high. Did you know? Outdoor air quality affects how you live and breathe. Like the weather, it can change from day to day, or even hour to hour. 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. Did you know? Exposure to diesel exhaust fumes may make asthma symptoms worse.