How to Prevent Asthma Triggers
Although asthma is considered a long-term disease, it is non-contagious and has nothing to do with where or how a person was brought up. Asthma is passed on through families most of the times, in other words the chronic respiratory illness is considered to be hereditary. In addition, parents are advised to acquire knowledge about the respiratory disease and how to its triggers at home, since it is more common in children and teens.
As the muscles around the respiratory structures become tight and narrower, air gets trapped in the alveoli (or the small sacs found at the end of the bronchial tubes). When this happens the person's airways become inflamed and bring on an attack. This now results in wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and or shortness of breath.
There are many elements in the environment that can affect the oversensitive airways or triggers. Triggers can be found any and everywhere. Preventing the child's airways from becoming inflamed and swollen can be achieved if you learn to control these triggers. Remember, managing your child's asthma is to continuously monitor and discover what elements triggers your child's asthma and avoid them.
Dust mites, molds, animals, infections, outdoor elements, second hand smoke and strong smell are some of the elements that brings about an attack. Preventing an attack has to begin at the home, so here are a few tips on how to create a safer place for your family, especially your kids.
1 ) Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects, too small to see with the naked eyes. They are often found on mattresses, sheets, pillows, soft furniture, carpets and even stuffed toys.
As the muscles around the respiratory structures become tight and narrower, air gets trapped in the alveoli (or the small sacs found at the end of the bronchial tubes). When this happens the person's airways become inflamed and bring on an attack. This now results in wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and or shortness of breath.
There are many elements in the environment that can affect the oversensitive airways or triggers. Triggers can be found any and everywhere. Preventing the child's airways from becoming inflamed and swollen can be achieved if you learn to control these triggers. Remember, managing your child's asthma is to continuously monitor and discover what elements triggers your child's asthma and avoid them.
Dust mites, molds, animals, infections, outdoor elements, second hand smoke and strong smell are some of the elements that brings about an attack. Preventing an attack has to begin at the home, so here are a few tips on how to create a safer place for your family, especially your kids.
1 ) Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects, too small to see with the naked eyes. They are often found on mattresses, sheets, pillows, soft furniture, carpets and even stuffed toys.
- Once per week wash pillows cases, bed sheets and blankets in hot water.
- Mattresses and pillows must be covered with dust-proof, allergy-proof covers.
- Avoid using upholstered furniture and carpets in the bedroom as much as possible.
- When washing stuffed, toys use hot water and choose stuffed toys that are washable.
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2 ) Molds Molds are common in homes and apartments and survive in wet damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, attics and basements.
3 ) Animals Asthma attacks in children can be triggered by dander, urine and dropping produced by household pets such as cats, dogs, birds and small rodents. |
- Pets are to be kept outdoor or find another home for them if the family owns one.
- Avoid coming in contact with your upholstered furniture or carpet.
- Cleaning and vacuuming must be done when the asthmatic child is not around.
4 ) Infections
One of the most common asthma triggers is viral respiratory infection.
- A yearly flu vaccine for all kids six months and older is recommended by the CDC. Ensure that your child gets a flu shot every year.
- Prompt medical attention ought to be sought for your child if your has the flu. In most cases, your child will be given additional medicines aside from their regular asthma medication.
5 ) Outdoor Elements
Car exhaust, smoke, road dust, and other pollutants are contributors to asthma attacks in children.
6 ) Secondhand Smoke
Smoke that comes from cigarettes, pipes and cigars is known as second hand smoking. Anyone in close proximity to the smoker is considered a recipient.
7 ) Strong Smells
Strong smells from perfumes, lotions, deodorant, air fresheners, paints and cleaning liquids are some elements that can trigger an asthma attack.
As previously stated, triggers are those elements that can spark an asthma attack or make it worse. A person may have just one trigger or you may find that more than one element can act as trigger. Once you know what brings about your child’s asthma, it is important to take steps to control these triggers and ultimately prevent asthma episodes. The more these practices are part of your daily life the less chance there is that your child will have an asthma attack.
- Windows and doors must be kept closed, especially during times when outdoors triggers are present.
- Outdoor playing is recommended for children at times when there's better air quality.
6 ) Secondhand Smoke
Smoke that comes from cigarettes, pipes and cigars is known as second hand smoking. Anyone in close proximity to the smoker is considered a recipient.
- Never allow anyone to smoke inside your home.
- Encourage any smoker in the family to quit.
7 ) Strong Smells
Strong smells from perfumes, lotions, deodorant, air fresheners, paints and cleaning liquids are some elements that can trigger an asthma attack.
- Ensure that smell from chemical fumes are cleared from the house before children are allow inside.
As previously stated, triggers are those elements that can spark an asthma attack or make it worse. A person may have just one trigger or you may find that more than one element can act as trigger. Once you know what brings about your child’s asthma, it is important to take steps to control these triggers and ultimately prevent asthma episodes. The more these practices are part of your daily life the less chance there is that your child will have an asthma attack.