Asthma Triggers
		Asthma triggers are the allergens, irritants, and infections that make asthma worse. Many children with asthma are sensitive to allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, dust, and mold. Everyone's breathing tubes can be affected by irritants such as smoke, pollution, strong chemicals, and infections. You can control the asthma triggers in your home. Common asthma triggers in the home: Smoke (from cigarettes, fireplace, or incense) Animal dander (the shedding skin of your pets) Dust and dust mites (microscopic insects that live in house dust) Molds (mold grows in damp areas such as the kitchen, the bathroom, and in the soil of house plants) Perfumes Aerosol sprays (including hair spray) Strong chemical fumes Christmas trees Aspirin Asthma triggers in the outside environment: Change of weather Pollen Grasses Cold dry air Smog Other asthma triggers: Infections may trigger asthma. Ear infections, sinus infections, and the common cold can cause asthma flare-ups. If you cannot control a flare-up easily, see your doctor. Your child may have an infection that needs to be treated. Exercise can be an asthma trigger. However, exercise is important for your child's health. Having asthma should not keep your child from playing or sports. Medications are available that can control asthma triggered by exercise. Pollens, animal danders, molds, and dust mites are allergens. Allergy testing can tell you how important it is to avoid these allergens. Talk to your doctor about whether allergy testing will benefit your child. Foods occasionally trigger asthma. Usually there is a skin reaction, such as eczema (scaly, itchy skin) or hives, as well as the asthma. Foods that might be allergens include peanuts, eggs, milk products, and shellfish. Talk with your doctor to see if your child needs to be tested for food allergy.
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