Things that cause asthma flare-ups are called triggers. Each child's triggers can be different. Learning what causes your child's flare-ups will take time. Once you know, you can help your child control these triggers – both at home and elsewhere. Here are some important tips for controlling common asthma triggers that may affect your child.

Smoking

• If you or anyone else in your home smokes, quit for your child's sake
• Do not allow your child to be around smoke
• Do not allow smoking in your home or your car
• Do not use wood burning stoves or fireplaces and avoid campfires

Pets

• Keep pets outside
• If pets must come inside, keep them off the furniture
• Close your child's bedroom door and keep pets out of the bedroom
• Bathe pets weekly

Dust and Dust Mites

• Put your mattresses and pillows in special allergen-proof covers
• Remove all animal products (feather pillows)
• Wash your bedding every week in hot water (over 130˚ F)
• Wash stuffed animals often and, if possible, remove other dust collectors from your child's bedroom
• Dust woodwork and wash curtains often
• Damp mop floors instead of sweeping
• Vacuum carpets/rugs weekly with a HEPA filter. When possible, remove carpeting, especially in the bedroom
• Replace air conditioner and heater filters monthly

Pollen

• During allergy season, use air conditioning instead of opening the windows
• Change the air conditioner filter monthly
• Bathe after being outdoors

Mold and Mildew

• Keep the bathroom dry by using a fan or dehumidifier
• Clean sinks, tubs and showers often with bleach solution (1 part bleach, 3 parts water)
• Limit houseplants as they are sources of dampness and mold
• Clean your child's nebulizer or inhaler and spacer often
• Ask your healthcare provider before using a vaporizer or humidifier. Always keep it clean

Illness

Even minor respiratory illnesses can cause asthma flare-ups.

• Remind your child to wash his or her hands often
• Make sure your child eats well and gets lots of sleep
• Keep your child away from people with colds or the flu
• Be sure your child gets a yearly flu shot

Weather

Changes in the weather can cause flare-ups.

• Watch your child during outdoor play, when the weather turns cold and dry or gets hot and humid
• Keep your child inside on "Bad Air Days" when air quality is poor

Exercise

Your child may cough or wheeze when exercising. However, exercise is important to your child's health, and asthma should not keep your child from playing sports or other physical activities.

• Take medication with exercise if prescribed in the Asthma Action Plan
• Warm up by exercising slowly at first
• Limit exercise when ill or when the weather is cold and dry

Other Triggers

• Some medications may trigger an asthma flare-up, such as aspirin or Beta Blockers. Talk to your health-care provider if you suspect a medication is a trigger
• Certain foods may trigger asthma. If you suspect food is a trigger, discuss it with your healthcare provider
• Strong smells, such as perfumes, sprays, or cleaning products may make asthma worse. If your child is sensitive to strong smells, avoid contact with strongly scented products and chemical products
• If your child has allergies, managing them will help reduce asthma symptoms