The airways in children with asthma are more sensitive to normal things in the environment called “triggers”.  A trigger is anything that can cause an asthma attack or that makes asthma symptoms worse.  Asthma is not caused by triggers, but triggers will make asthma worse.  These triggers can change over time.  Some triggers can be avoided and some cannot.  It’s important to figure out which triggers affect your child’s asthma so you can manage your child’s asthma better. 

Triggers can be allergic or non-allergic.  Allergic triggers include pollens, dust mites, molds, and warm furry or feathered pets.  Non-allergic triggers include weather changes, strong emotions (like laughing or crying), chemicals, smoke, pollution, and exercise.  Each person has different triggers.

TRIGGER CONTROL (see FORMS section for more details) 

DUST MITES (also called “Dust” or “House Dust”)

1. Cover mattresses and pillows with dust mite-proof covers
2. Wipe-off mattress and pillow covers every week with damp cloth
3. Wash bed linen each week in hot water
4. Install hard flooring (like wood or linoleum) flooring instead of carpeting
5. Use plastic or wood furniture instead of cloth furniture
6. Dust and vacuum room at least once a week
7. Use vertical blinds instead of curtains or horizontal blinds.
8. Remove stuffed animals from beds
9. Keep bedroom tidy
10. Avoid using vaporizer or humidifier in bedroom

COCKROACHES:

1. Keep food stored in tightly closed containers
2. Fix all water leaks and dry up any areas of open water
3. Keep kitchen clean; do not leave dirty dishes in sink
4. Empty garbage everyday
5. Vacuum several times a week
6. Do not store cardboard boxes, newspapers, or paper bags in house
7. Set roach traps
8. May need to call professional exterminator

MOLD:

1. Check for water leaks and leaky pipes
2. Dry up any damp or wet areas
3. Clean shower with bleach solution or mildew spray
4. Check fridge and trash can for mold
5. Remove bathroom rugs and carpets
6. Avoid using a vaporizer or humidifier
7. Keep house plants and fish bowls out of child’s room

POLLEN:

1. Avoid fresh cut flowers in the house
2. Keep windows closed during the early morning hours
3. Wash child’s hair before bedtime if child was playing outside
4. Run air conditioner when possible
5. Use a room air filter machine
6. Avoid lawn mowing and gardening

PETS:

1. Find a new home for your pet
2. If impossible to get rid of pet, try to keep pet outside, or at least keep child’s
   bedroom and family room pet free
3. Install hard flooring (like wood or linoleum)
4. Vacuum regularly
5. Bathe pet weekly (make sure the allergic person does not wash the pet)