Health library

TAMING ASTHMA TRIGGERS

LOWER YOUR LIKELIHOOD OF FLARE-UPS

An asthma trigger is something that causes a flare-up of symptoms. Select a trigger for tips on how to control it.

SMOKE

TO CONTROL IT:

• Ban smoking from your home and car.
• Avoid burning wood indoors.
• Don't go outdoors when wildfires are burning nearby.

AIR POLLUTION

TO CONTROL IT:

• Check air quality daily at stateoftheair.org.
• Limit time outdoors when the index is high.
• Avoid exercising near heavily trafficked areas.

PETS

TO CONTROL IT:

• Avoid pets with fur or feathers.
• If possible, keep pets outdoors.
• Keep pets out of bedrooms.

MOLD AND MILDEW

TO CONTROL IT:

• Fix leaks right away.
• Clean mildew from tiles and shower.
• Run exhaust fans or open windows in your kitchen and bathroom.

POLLEN

TO CONTROL IT:

• Close doors and windows during pollen season.
• Limit time outdoors when pollen levels are high.
• Shower and change clothes after coming in from outdoors.

RESPIRATORY INFECTION

TO CONTROL IT:

• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid sick people.
• Get a flu shot every year.
• Ask your doctor about getting a pneumonia shot.

STRONG ODORS

TO CONTROL IT:

• Use unscented products.
• Avoid areas with strong smells.
• Use a fan around strong odors.

STRONG EMOTIONS

TO CONTROL IT:

• Avoid stressful situations.
• Learn relaxation exercises and techniques.

COLD AIR/EXTREME HEAT

TO CONTROL IT:

• Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose when outdoors.
• Avoid being outside when the weather is too cold or too hot.

EXERCISE

TO CONTROL IT:

• Ask your doctor about using a rescue inhaler or other quick-relief medications before exercising.
• Warm up before exercise.
• Exercise indoors when air quality outside is poor.

DUST MITES OR COCKROACHES

TO CONTROL IT:

• Encase bedding in dust or mite-proof coverings.
• Remove carpeting and dust and vacuum twice a week.
• Keep food in sealed containers.

Learn more by taking our asthma triggers quiz.

Take the quiz.

Sources: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; American Lung Association