How Much Do You Know about Asthma Triggers?

Pet birds can cause asthma flare-ups in some people—as can dogs and cats. This is because things such as fur, dry skin flakes (dander), feathers, droppings, and saliva may be asthma triggers.

You can protect yourself by choosing a pet that doesn’t have fur or feathers, such as a fish or a reptile. Wash your hands and clothes after handling pets with fur or feathers. Dander can float through the air or stick to carpet, clothing, and furniture.

Certain types of weather can trigger asthma in some people. Keep track of which types of weather may affect you most: cold, hot, humid, or windy. This varies from person to person. Limit outdoor activity if a certain type of weather affects you. Protect your lungs in cold weather by wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose.

Vehicle exhaust and other air pollutants combine to create smog. This can be a trigger. Read or listen to local air quality reports. These let you know when air quality is poor. Stay indoors as much as you can on smoggy days. If possible, use air conditioning instead of opening the windows. In your car, set air conditioning to recirculate air, so less pollution gets in.

Laughing, crying, and feeling excited are triggers for some people. Stress and anxiety can also trigger asthma. You can’t avoid most of these normal emotions, but you can learn ways to slow your breathing and avert a flare-up. Try this breathing exercise: Start by breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of 2 seconds. Then pucker your lips and breathe out for a count of 4 seconds. Try to focus on a soothing image in your mind. This will help relax you and calm your breathing. Remember to take your daily controller medications. When you’re upset or under stress, it’s easy to forget.

It’s not a myth. Perfume and other strong scents can trigger asthma flare-ups. Switch to unscented soap, lotion, toilet paper, and cleaning products. Use scent-free deodorant and lotion. Don’t use perfumes, air fresheners, potpourri, and other scented products.

Any kind of smoke can trigger asthma flare-ups. If you smoke, think about quitting. Don't let anyone smoke in your home or car. And stay away from others who smoke. Smoke from fires or cooking can also cause asthma flare-ups.

Mold grows in damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and closets. Clean damp areas weekly to prevent mold growth. This includes shower stalls and sinks. You may need someone to clean these areas for you. Or try wearing a mask. Run an exhaust fan while bathing. Or leave a window open in the bathroom. Repair water leaks in or around your home. Have someone else rake leaves, if possible.

Medicines can cause flare-ups in some people with asthma. Before taking any medicine, talk with your doctor. Medicines include herbal supplements. Foods such as shellfish and peanuts may also cause asthma flare-ups in people who have food allergies.

Household cleaners that have ammonia or bleach can cause irritation to the airways and trigger an asthma flare-up. Instead, make a cleaning solution by mixing water with white vinegar or baking soda.

Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see or feel. But they can trigger asthma flare-ups in some people. Dust mites live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, curtains, and indoor dust. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Here’s what you can do to help prevent problems:

• Wash bedding in hot water (130°F) each week. This kills the dust mites.
• Cover mattress and pillows with special dust-mite-proof (hypoallergenic) cases.
• Don’t use upholstered furniture like sofas or chairs in the bedroom.