Asthma is a very common disease but unfortunately there is no cure for it till today. However if you plan it a little you can learn to reduce the risk of asthma attack by preventing exposure to things that trigger asthma. Asthma can be triggered by conditions, materials or activities that can either make the symptoms of asthma worse or can cause an asthma attack. Things that can trigger asthma are very common therefore it can be difficult to avoid them. Here we have compiled 14 tips which will let you know more about the triggers and how to avoid them.
1. Use Allergy Proof Covers On Pillows And Mattresses
Buy for your pillows, mattresses and box springs dust proof covers. Get a dust proof pillow wrap that goes between your pillow and pillow case. Wash your beddings weekly with hot water (above 130°F) in order to rid the dust mites and use a dehumidifier to reduce the excess moisture in your home and help prevent mold.
2. Do Not Allow Pets In Bedrooms Or On Furniture
Pet dander is a common asthma trigger and all animals have it. Some animals have it more than the others. Therefore pets and animals can trigger asthma in people who are allergic to animals. In addition the proteins present in the saliva, urine, feces, skin and hair can trigger asthma. Avoiding the animals altogether is the best way to avoid an asthma attack. If you love your pet too much to part with it then try to keep it out of your bedroom and furniture and keep it outside the house as much as possible. If you have an indoor pet then give your pet a bath frequently.
3. Remove Carpets And Stuff Toys From Bedrooms
Dust mites are a common allergen and they love to hide in places and rooms we use frequently which includes bedrooms, living rooms and offices. Carpets and rugs are magnets for dust. If you have carpets in your home it may be time to say goodbye to it and get hardwood floors instead. If you cannot get rid of carpet then vacuum it at least twice weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA air filter. You can ask your doctor about which are the best cleaning products. Reduce the clutter in your room and don’t keep stuff toys around. Wash your linens on the hottest water setting that you have.
4. Fix Leaky Faucets
Mold as well as mildew are two big triggers. You can prevent these triggers by knowing which places in your kitchen, bathroom, basement and in the yard are damp. When humidity is high the risk for mold and mildew growth increases. You can buy a dehumidifier if the humidity in your house becomes a concern. Throw out any shower curtains, rugs, firewood or leaves that are molded or mildewed. To reduce the mold in your house get rid of any indoor plants and keep your bathrooms clean and dry by using a bathroom fan when you shower or take a bath or opening the bathroom window.
5. Avoid Areas Where People Smoke
Breathing in smoke even if it is secondhand smoke or smoke on your clothes, drapes or furniture can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure you ask for a smoke free room when you are traveling and stay away from the smoking area.
6. Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products And Chemicals
The fumes from the cleaners that you use for household cleaning can trigger asthma. Avoid inhaling these fumes at home by using a dust mask and prevent exposure to them when you are away from your home as much as you can.
7. Reduce Stress
Asthma symptoms can be worsen by intense emotions and worry. Therefore take measures to reduce the level of stress in your life and make time for yourself in which you can relax or do something you enjoy.
8. Pay Attention To Air Quality
When the weather is very hot and humid and the quality of air is poor the symptoms of asthma can be aggravated for many people. When the conditions are like this or a pollution alert has been issued then you may want to limit your outdoor activity.
9. Excercise
Exercise can trigger asthma in some people. Exercise induce asthma is the most common asthma but this is one trigger that you should not avoid. The risk of triggering your asthma due to physical exercise is worth taking as physical exercise is very important for your overall health. You just need to be more wise about it. If exercise induced asthma becomes a concern then ask your doctor for medications that help you prevent asthma attack when you are physically active.
10. Take Control Of Your Seasonal Allergies
Asthma is closely related to allergies. If you have hay fever talk to your doctor, use the medication and stay home as much as possible when the pollen counts are high.
If you think you have allergic asthma get an allergy test done by your doctor. This will enable you to know exactly which allergens can cause an asthma attack for you. Asthma is not curable but you can control it. Together with your doctor find out what triggers your asthma and avoid them whenever possible and this way you can avoid unwanted asthma and allergy symptoms.
11. Triggers In The Air
Asthma can be flared up when the person suffering from it is exposed to pollen, cigarette smoke, fumes and air pollution. Pollen is the most troublesome in spring and autumn, though flowers, grass and weeds grow throughout the year. Stay indoors when the pollen is at its peak as much as possible.
You can also use air conditioning if possible as it reduces the air pollutants inside like pollen and reduces the humidity in the room or house. This helps reduce the risk of being expose to dust mites and in turn asthma attack.
12.Other Conditions Can Cause Asthma
Your asthma cab be triggered if you develop any infection, virus or disease that effects your lungs. For example colds, flu, pneumonia and respiratory infections. Acid reflux or a sinus infection may also cause an asthma attack, even some medicines play a role. Items that are heavily scented and perfumes can also aggravate airways. Intense emotions as mentioned earlier can also trigger asthma. Food allergies can also trigger asthma especially if you experience an anaphylactic reaction to a food allergen.
