Common asthma triggers in the home and how to reduce them

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Many things in a home can cause an asthma attack or make the lung disease worse. These are called triggers. Below is a list of common triggers and suggestions for ways caregivers can support their children who have asthma, which makes breathing difficult. 

Following these tips, which Cincinnati Children’s advocates based on the “Doc Monaghan: Asthma Education Parent Guide,” can reduce asthma attacks and the need for medications to treat wheezing. Better management of asthma also can lead to fewer visits to the emergency department or the need for hospitalization. 

Tobacco smoke 

• Don’t smoke or allow others to do so in your home, car or around your child. 
• Make sure no one smokes where your child goes for daycare or after-school care. 

Dust mites 

Many people are allergic to dust mites, which are bugs too small to be seen. They can live in bedding, clothes, fabrics and carpet. 

• Put your child’s mattress, pillow and box springs in dust mite/allergy-free covers that close with a zipper. 
• Remove stuffed animals or toys from your child’s bed. 
• Wash blankets, sheets and pillowcases once a week in hot water. 
• Wipe off furniture and items near your child’s bed once a week with a cloth. 
• Vacuum carpet weekly while your child is not in the room. 
• Remove carpeting, if possible, especially from your child’s sleeping area and play area. 

Pollen and mold 

• Clean bathrooms, kitchens and basements by scrubbing with soap and water once a week. 
• Avoid using bleach solution when the person with asthma is home. Bleach should be used in a well-ventilated area and not mixed with other chemicals. 
• Use an exhaust fan when cooking and showering.
• Ensure your shower is free of mildew or mold. 
• Use air conditioning and keep windows closed, if possible. 
• Use a dehumidifier, if available. Empty the pan daily. 
• Do not use vaporizers or humidifiers. 
• Avoid houseplants. 
• Do not mow grass or rake leaves around your child. 
• Monitor the pollen count, and have your child stay indoors when the pollen count is high. 

Pets 

• Choose a pet without fur or feathers.
• Do not allow pets in a child’s bedroom/sleeping space. 
• Take along allergy and/or rescue medications if you cannot avoid visits to family and friends with pets. 

Bugs 

• Do not use pesticide sprays, foggers or bombs indoors. 

 Sprays and odors 

• Avoid burning wood, incense and scented candles. 
• Avoid strong odors such as air spray, perfume, hairspray, paints and cleaning products. 

Other suggestions 

• Have your child get a flu shot each fall. 
• Have your child cover his or her nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days. 
• Stressful situations that lead to changes in breathing can make asthma worse