Controlling Asthma Triggers
		Smoke DO NOT smoke or let your child breathe smoke. Keep your home smoke free. If you or a guest must smoke, smoke outside. Do not smoke in your child's bedroom, in the bathroom, the garage, or the car. Avoid areas where people are smoking, such as malls, sporting events, or restaurants. Do not use fireplaces, wood burning stoves, or incense. Pets DO NOT have pets. If you must have a pet, keep the pet outdoors. At least keep the pet out of the child's bedroom and bathe the pet weekly. A weekly bath will keep down the amount of dander (shed skin) that your pet spreads through the house. Any pet with fur or feathers can trigger asthma. Dust DO control dust and house dust mites. Your child spends most of his/her time in the bedroom. This room deserves the most attention. Mattresses, box springs, blankets, stuffed animals, venetian blinds, and books are dust collectors. Enclose mattresses, box springs, and pillows in zippered plastic covers. You can get these from many department stores or from allergy supply houses such as National Allergy Supply (1-800-522-1448) or Allergy Control Products (1-800- 422-3878). Wash bedding at least every 1 to 2 weeks (including the blankets). Use hot water. Avoid stuffed animals. If your child cannot part with a special stuffed animal, wash it weekly in hot water. Wet dust venetian blinds, books, and furniture regularly. Change heating and air conditioning filters monthly. If you wish to invest in an air cleaner, the High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are the most effective. Carpets are dust collectors; avoid carpeting in the child's room. Limit carpets elsewhere in the house. Linoleum or hardwood floors are best. If you cannot remove the carpet, vacuum the carpet weekly. Steam cleaning is helpful (steam heat kills dust mites). You can spray a dilute tannic acid solution (available from most allergy supply firms) onto the carpet every 2 to 3 months to destroy dust mites. Mold DO control mold sources. Do not use humidifiers or vaporizers. In areas with high humidity, a dehumidifier may be useful. House plants are sources of dampness and mold. Keep plants out of the child's bedroom. Limit plants elsewhere in the house. Bleach can kill mold. Other triggers DO control other asthma triggers. Avoid household chemicals with strong odors such as hair spray, perfumes, deodorizers, glues, paints, etc. Don't use household cleaning products with strong odors. If cold air triggers your child's asthma, put a scarf over their mouth and nose. Ask your doctor about flu shots for your child.
		Introduction Understanding Asthma Treatment of Asthma Living with Asthma Site design and illustrations by Green Island Graphics