If you, a family member, or someone you know has asthma, it’s important to recognize and avoid the contributing triggers whenever possible – and to seek appropriate treatment when necessary.

Exactly what can you do to help prevent asthma attacks? A great first step is talking to a doctor in order to better identify what triggers the attacks, learn how to identify these triggers both in your home and the world-at-large, discuss how to either avoid triggers or eliminate them, and finally, to determine what medications are appropriate.

Once you’ve done your “homework” it’s time to create an action plan. Asthma triggers are a part of everyday life and may be as simple as the mold growing on your shower curtain, or dust mites living in your bedding. They may include the dander on your golden retriever, pet hamster, or highly indignant Siamese cat. Perhaps the fragrance of your favorite perfume, dishwashing liquid, or laundry detergent is the culprit. Regardless of where these triggers show up, there are ways you can combat the problem.

If mold is making you sniffle and wheeze the following will help:

• When you see mold, clean it up with a bleach cleaner or other cleaning agent specifically designed to get rid of mold.
• When you are showering use an exhaust fan or open a window to let the moist air escape. The same holds true of the kitchen when you are cooking or doing dishes.
• If your plumbing leaks, get it fixed so water is not standing under sinks, or in basements.
• Dry damp or wet items to avoid mold growth.
  

If those mighty, mighty (and tiny, tiny) dust mites are a problem then:

• Wash your bedding once a week and make sure it dries completely.
• Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture frequently. In more severe cases, consider foregoing (or taking out) carpet altogether.
• Got kids? Then wash their stuffed toys often – making certain they are thoroughly dry. If tears are shed when Barnaby Bear or Dilly Dolly are pristine and clean, explain to your little one that this is to prevent asthma attacks. No one wants Barnaby or Dilly to be sick!

Asthma is often triggered by breathing secondhand smoke. The best choice is not to smoke at all. However, if you or someone you know simply can’t quit, then do your best to minimize the exposure by doing your best to make sure that no one smokes in your car, home, or any other enclosed space. Your child should be a smoke-free zone, which means no one gets near them when they light up!

Cockroaches are unpleasant to begin with, but are also notoriously nasty triggers of asthma as well, so keep your counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean. Storing food in air tight containers is also a great help, and making sure trash cans are covered works well too.

Keep your pets outside if possible, and if not, make sure they don’t inhabit your bedrooms or frequent your furniture. Vacuuming daily will help to keep hair and dander at bay.

Gas stoves and wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas space heaters can expose you to Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) so make sure rooms are properly ventilated, get your heating system checked annually, use exhaust fans, know the proper use of a flue, and follow the manufacturer’s directions for these types of items.