How To Control Things That May Make Your Asthma Worse

You need to find out what makes your asthma worse.  Some things that make asthma worse for some people are not a problem for others.  You do not need to do all of the things listed in this guide, but here are some suggestions for common asthma triggers.  If you find that your are bothered by any of these items, try the suggestions below them.  Discuss these triggers and suggestions with your doctor.
 

Tobacco Smoke

• If you smoke, ask your doctor for ways to help you quit.  Ask family members to quit smoking too.
• Do not allow smoking in your home or around you.
• Be sure that no one smokes at a child's day care center.

Dust Mites

Many people with asthma are allergic to dust mites.  Dust mites are like tiny "bugs" you cannot see that live in cloth or carpet.
• Encase your mattress in a special dust-proof cover.
• Encase your pillow in a special dust-proof cover or wash the pillow each week in hot water.  Water must be hotter than 130F (54C) to kill mites.
• Wash the sheets and blankets on your bed each week in hot water.
• Other things that can help:
• Reduce indoor humidity to less than 50 percent.  Dehumidifiers or central air conditioners can do this.
• Try not to sleep or lie on cloth-covered cushions or furniture.
• Remove carpets from your bedroom and those laid on concrete, if you can.
• Keep stuffed toys out of the bed or wash the toys weekly in hot water.

Animal Dander

Some people are allergic to the flakes of skin or dried saliva from animals with fur or feathers.
• The best thing to do:

Keep furred or feathered pets out of your home.
• If you can't keep the pet outdoors, then:
• Keep the pet out of your bedroom and keep the bedroom door closed.
• Cover the air vents in your bedroom with heavy material to filter the air.
• Remove carpets and furniture covered with cloth from your home.  If that is not possible, keep the pet out of rooms containing these items.

Cockroach

Many people with asthma are allergic to the dried droppings and remains of cockroaches
• Keep all food out of your bedroom.
• Keep food and garbage in closed containers (never leave food out).
• Use poison baits, powders, gels, or paste (for example, boric acid).  You can also use traps.
• If a spray is used to kill roaches, stay out of the room until the odor goes away.

Vacuum Cleaning

• Try to get someone else to vacuum for you once or twice a week, if you can.  Stay out of rooms while they are being vacuumed and for a short while afterward.
• If you vacuum, use a dust mask (from a hardware store), a double-layered or microfilter vacuum cleaner bag, or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

Indoor Mold

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes or other sources of water.
• Clean moldy surfaces with a cleaner that has bleach in it.

Pollen and Outdoor Mold

During allergy season:
• Try to keep your windows closed.
• Stay indoors with windows closed during the midday and afternoon, if you can.  Pollen and some mold spore counts are highest at that time.
• Ask your doctor whether you need to take or increase anti-inflammatory medicine before your allergy season starts.

Smoke, Strong Odors, Sprays

• If possible, do not use a wood-burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace.
• Try to stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, talcum powder, hair spray, and paints.

Exercise, Sports, Work or Play

• You should be able to be active without symptoms.  See your doctor if you have asthma symptoms when you are active -- like when you exercise, do sports, play or work hard.
• Ask your doctor about taking medicine before you exercise to prevent symptoms.
• Warm up for about 6 to 10 minutes before you exercise.
• Try not to work or play hard outside when the air pollution or pollen levels (if you are allergic to the pollen) are high.

Other things that can make asthma worse

• Flu:  Get a flu shot.
• Sulfites in foods: Do not drink beer or wine or eat shrimp, dried fruits, or processed potatoes if they cause asthma symptoms.
• Cold air:  Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.
• Other medicines:  Tell your doctor about all the medicines you may take.  Include cold medicines, aspirin and even eye drops.