Asthma Triggers And How To Avoid Them

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An asthma attack can be caused by many different triggers. Here are a few of them and how they can be avoided.

Dust

Dust is a trigger for many asthma sufferers. The debris that lands on your furniture and coats your floors is actually made up of multiple allergens, such as dead skin cells, dust mites and dirt. To minimize the dust in your home, vacuum carpets daily and mop hard floors. If many of your floors are carpeted, if possible, transition from carpet to hard flooring, such as hardwood or tile. 

Also, clean bed linens at least weekly and avoid using fabric window coverings. 

Pet Dander

Pet dander is actually a term used to describe the little flakes of an animal's skin and fur that tend to shed into the atmosphere. These flakes can exacerbate asthma flare-ups and increase the number of attacks that you experience. It is best to limit your contact with animals if this is one of your triggers. 

However, if you have a pet, there are still measures you can take to reduce your exposure to dander. Start by washing the animal often to reduce the amount of dander released by the pet. Also, be sure to wash the animals bedding weekly and vacuum fabric furnishings with which the pet may regularly come in contact.

In addition, after petting or handling your furry friend, wash your face and hands to decrease the likelihood of transferring the dander to your nose or mouth.

Mold

Mold spores are a common trigger for allergy-related asthma symptoms. The spores, which can be found both indoors and outdoors, should be avoided as much as possible to prevent an asthma attack. Here are a few things you can do to limit your exposure to mold spores:

  • Keep your kitchen and restrooms well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture. Mold grows well in damp, dark spaces.
  • Leave your shoes outside. Mold spores can become attached to the soles of your shoes. As a result, they can enter your home as you walk into your interior space.
  • Eliminate piles of leaves, wood and other yard debris. Leaves and other debris retain moisture from dew and rain. In addition, they provide a dark environment for mold to multiply. 
  • If you do your own yardwork, wear a mask. A mask can block your nose and mouth to prevent you from inhaling the spores.
  • Use bleach or other anti-mold cleaners to clean your kitchen and bathrooms.

To learn more about asthma and its triggers, visit an asthma specialist in your area, like one from The Regional Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center, PC.


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