HEALTH INSIGHTS

Controlling Asthma Triggers

By Holloway, Beth, RN, M.Ed. 
 | 
August 21, 2018

Controlling Asthma Triggers

Triggers are things that can make your asthma symptoms get worse or flare up. They may include all or some of these:

  • Allergens

  • Irritants

  • Exercise

  • Strong feelings

  • Health conditions

  • Weather changes

It is important to know your triggers. And try to stay away from them, if possible.

Allergens

Indoor allergens include dust, mold, pet dander, and cockroaches. Outdoor allergens include pollens, mold, grasses, and trees.

You may already know that allergies make your asthma worse. If you think allergens may be a problem, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may advise you to see an allergist. An allergist may do testing and provide treatment.

What you can do indoors:

  • Dust often with a damp cloth. You might use a mask while cleaning.

  • Remove clutter that can collect dust or grow mold. If possible, remove carpets and rugs.

  • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

  • Make sure air conditioners, heating units, and appliances are clean. Change filters often.

  • Wash your bedding every week. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers.

  • Keep pets out of your bedroom. Keep them off furniture and rugs. Have pets groomed often.

  • Wash dishes and clean counters after eating or making meals. This helps prevent cockroaches. Keep all foods in sealed bags or containers.

  • Use home air filters and vacuums that can decrease allergens. Change or clean filters as instructed.

What you can do outdoors:

  • Check the pollen counts in your area. Try to stay indoors when levels are high.

  • Wash your hands when you come indoors if allergen levels are high. Also think about bathing and changing your clothes.

  • Don't rake leaves or cut the grass if these things bother you. Think about wearing a mask when you work in your garden.

Irritants

These include air pollution, smoke, strong odors, chemicals, and other products.

What you can do:

  • If you smoke, think about quitting. And try to stay away from secondhand and third-hand smoke.

  • Stay away from fireplaces, wood stoves, barbecues or grills, or other sources of smoke.

  • Watch air pollution levels. If the level is high, stay indoors as much as possible.

  • Use scent-free cleaning, laundry, health, and beauty products.

  • Don’t use candles, potpourri, or air fresheners.

Your symptoms may be worse at work. Or at other places where you spend a lot of time. Work with your healthcare provider or an allergist. They can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms. They can help you find possible solutions.

Exercise and physical activity

Some people have asthma symptoms or flare-ups only when they exercise or do physical activity. And some people have several triggers including exercise.

What you can do:

  • If you only have symptoms with exercise, see your healthcare provider. He or she may prescribe medicine to use before exercise.

  • Talk with your healthcare provider about how to exercise safely. Ask what to do if you have trouble breathing while exercising.

  • Think about exercising indoors when weather or outdoor air quality makes it harder for you to breathe.

Strong emotions

Strong emotions such as laughing and crying can act as triggers. And being depressed, stressed, or anxious can make symptoms worse.

What you can do:

  • Know that you can’t always control your feelings.

  • Try deep breathing, relaxation exercises, meditation, or yoga to help you relax.

  • Talk with your healthcare provider if you need help dealing with your feelings. Medicines, counseling, and other programs can help.

Health conditions

Some conditions are more common in people with asthma. These include sinus infections, reflux (GERD), and sleep apnea. These conditions also make asthma harder to control.

What you can do:

  • See your healthcare provider on a regular basis. Make sure they know about any problems you are having. This includes heartburn or indigestion.

  • Try to stay away from people who have colds, coughs, or the flu. And wash your hands often.

  • Stay up-to-date on your immunizations. This includes getting a flu shot every year. 

Your asthma may be triggered by respiratory infections. If you start to have symptoms, take your asthma medicines as instructed by your provider. Look for respiratory symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, runny nose, cough, or sore throat.

Weather changes

Very cold or hot weather can make symptoms worse.

What you can do:

  • Stay indoors when it is very cold, hot, windy, or humid outside.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf in cold weather. Some people also use masks.

Try to stay away from things that make your asthma symptoms worse or flare up. Talk with your healthcare provider about other ways to stay away from triggers.

Updated:  

August 21, 2018

Sources:  

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Reviewed By:  

Alan J Blaivas DO,Amy Finke RN BSN,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC