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Since people with chronic asthma have airways that are almost always
inflamed and swollen, they are very sensitive to many things in the air.
These things, called "triggers", can set off an asthma attack.
Once you know what triggers an attack, you can take steps to avoid them.
They are different for each person.
1] Irritants in the air such as cigarette smoke, perfume, hair spray,
strong smelling cleaning solutions, smog.
Preventive measures:
- Keep your home smoke free. Don't allow anyone to smoke in the home
or around you.
- Keep away from paint or strong smelling cleaning solutions such as
ammonia.
- Avoid strong perfumes and hair spray.
- Keep the house well ventilated.
2] Allergic triggers such as:
- animals -- like dogs, cats, birds
- molds -- that grow in damp places such as the bathroom or basement
- pollen -- from trees, grass and weeds
- house dust mites -- found in mattresses, carpets, stuffed furniture,
comforters, stuffed toys
- cockroaches
Preventive measures:
- Put mattresses, box springs and pillows in dust proof covers.
- Remove rugs and stuffed furniture from child's room.
- Vacuum and dust often.
- Remove stuffed animals that can collect dust or wash them often or
cover with plastic.
- Keep bathrooms dry and clean to prevent mold and use a dehumidifier
if necessary.
- Replace filters in air conditioners because they collect dust.
- Avoid feather pillows and use synthetic materials such as dacron.
- Avoid visits to homes with animals and do not have one in your home.
Select pets, such as fish, that have no dander.
3] Colds and respiratory infections
Preventive measures:
- Washing hands frequently helps to prevent catching a cold.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to colds like visiting a sick friend.
- Get a flu shot if your doctor recommends it.
4] Other factors that may be hard to avoid but you should be aware
of:
- Changes in Weather
Breathing in cold air can trigger an asthma attack. Proper clothing
and sometimes a scarf over your nose and mouth will help keep the cold
air away.
- Emotions
While emotions are not the cause of asthma, emotions such as laughing
and crying can change the way you breath and can trigger an attack.
A lot of stress can also make an asthma attack more likely.
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For Some Children: Medications, Foods, Food
Additives
Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and some
prescription drugs may cause an asthma attack in children who are
sensitive (but not in all chidren).
Preservatives in food or alcohol such as sulfites may also trigger
an asthma attack. These are present in dried fruits, fruit juices,
vegetables and wines. Other foods that may trigger asthma in sensitive
children are cheese and dairy products, citrus fruits, tomatoes, seafood
and corn. If this is a problem, discuss it with your doctor.
About Exercise: Exercising should not be
avoided, but there are some precautions that should be taken.
Use pre-medication or warm-up exercises especially in cold weather
when an asthma attack is more likely to develop. You should work out
a plan to get enough exercise without triggering asthma attacks. This
can be done by using the right medication before exercising, doing
warm up exercises beforehand. Swimming is a good sport, but even more
vigorous ones are possible.
Resources For More Information:
Asthma Center
at Long Island College Hospital
James
P. Mara Center for Lung Disease at St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital Center
The material contained in this document was prepared
to provide basic information.
Questions concerning its application to your particular case should be
directed to your physician.
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