Many asthma triggers are invisible. Follow these guidelines to reduce the sources of irritation that may cause asthma flare-ups.
Colds and Flu
- Get a flu shot.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Secondhand Smoke
- Don’t allow smoking in your home or in your car. (“No Smoking” signs make good reminders.)
- If you need help to quit smoking, call the PA Quitline toll-free at 1-877-724-1090.
Dust Mites
- Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers.
- Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
- Choose washable stuffed toys for children and wash them often in hot water.
- Don’t put stuffed toys on your child’s bed.
- Change furnace filters once a month.
Pet Dander
- Keep your dogs and cats outdoors or consider finding a new home for your pets.
- Keep pets out of bedrooms.
- Cover heat vents in your child’s room with cloth filters.
- Don’t let pets sit on fabric-covered furniture.
- Wipe off wood, metal and plastic furniture every week.
Pests (Roaches & insects)
- Don’t leave food lying around. Store all food in airtight containers. Empty the trash every day.
- Wipe up all food crumbs or spilled liquids right away.
- Use roach traps.
- If you must use bug spray, make sure to spray when your child is not at home and air out the room for several hours before they come back.
Mold
- Wash mold off counters, walls and other hard surfaces and dry completely.
- Scrub shower walls and shower curtain with bleach at least once a month.
- Fix leaky faucets or windows that might let in water.
- Don’t put plants in your child’s bedroom.
- Use a dehumidifier in your home to reduce moisture.
