Dr. Shalini Tyagi

Allergen avoidance strategies

Triggers and Avoidance

Common triggers that aggravate wheezing episodes

• Indoor triggers include cigarette smoke, dust, dust mites, pollen, straw, feathers, hair, fibers, formaldehyde, sprays, pesticides, deodorizers, mold, fungus, pets, cockroaches, gas from stoves, garbage, and more than 250 known causative agents responsible for occupational asthma.
• Outdoor triggers include diesel emissions, dust, dirt, smoke, air-borne particulates, garbage storage, garbage disposal, pollen, smog, ozone, heat, cold, factory smelter emissions, volatile organic compounds, many gases including sulfur dioxide and the nitrogen oxides.

Asthma > De-Triggering

Common asthma triggers found in the home include dust, dirt, dust mites, cockroaches, mice, pet dander, feathers, cigarette smoke, chemicals, strong scents, mold, and mildew. While it may not be possible to have a trigger-free home, there are many things that parents and families can do to reduce asthma triggers.

Here are some tips. Share them with other parents and families. With all your ideas together, you can make a difference for children with asthma.

Dust and Dirt

• Wipe surfaces with a damp cloth to hold dust
• Vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Wash stuffed toys, pillows, and blankets often.
• Get rid of rugs and curtains, if possible.
• Have children not sleep with stuffed toys. Store them in plastic bins.
• Get rid of clutter.

Cockroaches, Rodents, and Dust Mites

• Clean up food and water spills right away.
• Wipe countertops and empty sinks every night.
• Keep food in containers with lids or in sealed bags.
• Don’t leave food out overnight.
• Put away pet food at night.
• Take garbage out every day, and seal bags.
• Use traps and block holes rather than spraying.
• Use a plastic cover on mattresses.

Pet Dander and Feathers

• It is best to give pets to a friend or neighbor to take care of.
• Keep furry pets out of bedrooms and off of beds and furniture.
• Pets like fish are good pets for children with asthma.

Scents, Chemicals, and Smoke

• Avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, or scented deodorants.
• Do not use air fresheners or strong-smelling cleaning products.
• Use “green” cleaning products.
• Clean when children are not at home. Wear a mask if you have asthma.
• Open windows 10 minutes a day.
• Never smoke inside the home or car.
• Quit smoking!

Mold and Mildew

• Wipe up spills right away.
• Wash towels, sheets, and blankets in very hot water.
• Open windows or doors in the bathroom regularly.
• Throw out old sponges.
• Mold that covers more than 10 sq. feet requires professional attention.