Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to get air into your lungs when your body reacts to certain things. Asthma attacks can be started by things known as triggers. Do you know what can trigger asthma? Test your knowledge!
1. Pet birds don’t cause a problem for people with asthma.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Pet birds can trigger asthma attacks – as can dogs and cats. This is because things such as fur, dry skin flakes (dander), feathers, droppings, and saliva are allergens. Allergens are substances that cause your body to have an allergic reaction. People with asthma often have allergies. An allergic reaction can trigger an asthma attack. Allergy testing can find which allergens affect you.
You can protect yourself by choosing a pet that doesn’t have fur or feathers, such as a fish or a reptile. Wash your hands and clothes after handling pets with fur or feathers. Dander can float through the air or stick to carpet, clothing, and furniture.
2. Which of these can trigger an asthma attack?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Certain types of weather can trigger asthma or contribute to other triggers such as allergies. Take more care at times when weather may be an issue. Keep track of which types of weather affect you most: cold, hot, humid, or windy. This varies from person to person. Limit outdoor activity during the type of weather that affects you. Protect your lungs in cold weather by wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose.
Vehicle exhaust and other air pollutants combine to create smog. This can be a trigger for symptoms. Read or listen to local air quality reports. These let you know when air quality is poor. Stay indoors as much as you can on smoggy days. If possible, use air conditioning instead of opening the windows. In your car, set air conditioning to recirculate air, so less pollution gets in.
3. Laughing or crying can trigger an asthma attack.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Laughing, crying, and feeling excited are triggers for some people. Stress and anxiety can also trigger asthma. You can’t avoid most of these normal emotions, but you can learn ways to slow your breathing and avert an attack. Try this breathing exercise: Start by breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of 2 seconds. Then pucker your lips and breathe out for a count of 4 seconds. Try to focus on a soothing image in your mind. This will help relax you and calm your breathing. Remember to take your daily controller medications. When you’re upset or under stress, it’s easy to forget.
4. It’s a myth that perfume can trigger asthma.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
It’s not a myth – perfume and other strong scents can trigger asthma. To reduce these triggers, switch to unscented soap, lotion, toilet paper, and cleaning products. Use scent-free deodorant and lotion. Don’t use perfumes, air fresheners, potpourri, and other scented products.
5. Which of these is an asthma trigger?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
It should be used only as often as your health care provider tells you to. If you need to use it more often than prescribed, you need to talk with your health care provider. You may need other medicine and lifestyle changes to help control your asthma on a long-term basis. If you are using your quick-relief medicine for asthma symptoms more than twice a week, see your health care provider.
6. Mold is a common cause of asthma attacks.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Mold grows in damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and closets. Clean damp areas weekly to prevent mold growth. This includes shower stalls and sinks. You may need someone to clean these areas for you. Or, try wearing a mask. Run an exhaust fan while bathing. Or, leave a window open in the bathroom. Repair water leaks in or around your home. Have someone else rake leaves, if possible.
7. Which of these medicines can cause an asthma attack?
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Medicines like aspirin can cause up to 1 in 5 asthma attacks in adults. Before taking any medicine, talk with your health care provider.
8. It’s OK to use ammonia or bleach to clean if you have asthma.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Household cleaners that have ammonia or bleach can cause irritation to the airways and trigger an asthma attack. Instead, make a cleaning solution by mixing water with white vinegar or baking soda.
9. Tiny bugs called dust mites can cause asthma symptoms.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see or feel. But they can be a major trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms. Dust mites live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, curtains, and indoor dust. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Here’s what you can do to help prevent problems:
Wash bedding in hot water (130°F) each week. This kills the dust mites.
Cover mattress and pillows with special dust-mite-proof (hypoallergenic) cases.
Don’t use upholstered furniture like sofas or chairs in the bedroom.
Use allergy-proof filters for air conditioners and furnaces. Follow manufacturer instructions for maintaining and replacing filters.
If you can, replace wall-to-wall carpets with wood, tile, or linoleum floors, especially in the bedroom.