Children's Triggers


What are Asthma Triggers?

Triggers are the things that can start your child’s asthma attack or make it worse. Triggers are everywhere. Your home, the school, the playground can be full of triggers.

Some common asthma triggers for your child could be:
• Dust and smoke
• Pollen from plants
• Chalk dust in school
• Change in weather
• Strong emotions such as laughing and crying
• The hair of furry animals and bird feathers
• Physical exertion and exercise

Your child may have just one trigger or you may find that several things act as triggers. Once you know what triggers your child’s asthma, it is important to take steps to control these triggers. When you remove triggers from your home or keep your child away from triggers that are outdoor, you help your child stay healthy and have fewer asthma attacks. Do work with the doctor to identify your child’s asthma triggers.
If this is your child’s trigger
This is what you can do
 
Dust mites that live in things like sheets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, soft furniture, carpets, and your child’s stuffed toys.




 
Wash bedding in hot water once a week.
Dry completely.
Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
Avoid carpets.
If you must have carpets, then vacuum them every week and dust and clean the house when your child is not home.
Choose stuffed toys that you can wash.
Wash stuffed toys in hot water.
Dry completely before your child plays with the toy.

 
Animals in your home, such as cats and dogs.



 
Vacuum every week to help control pet hair and dust.
Avoid keeping furry and feathered pets altogether. Keep them from being in your main living and sleeping areas.
If you must keep a pet, keep fish instead.
 

 
Food



 
While most people with asthma do not have to follow a strict diet, some children could be allergic to nuts, eggs, cow’s milk, shell fish, artificial colouring…please keep a watch on your child’s trigger, avoid them as far as possible and inform the doctor accordingly.
 

 
Exercise










 
The best exercises for asthma are yoga and sports like swimming and sprinting, since they do not involve continuous running. Some asthmatic children benefit by using a Reliever/ Rescuer before exercising.
Consult your child’s doctor before he or she takes up a particular sport.
Teach your child to be calm in an emergency and to inform the teacher immediately.
Always keep your child’s Reliever handy with an extra pack in his kit, and give the school written Emergency instructions including your telephone number.
 

 
Cockroaches

 
Keep counters, sinks, tables, and floors clean and free of clutter.
Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight.
Store food in airtight containers.
Cover trash cans.
 

 
Mold that grows in damp places such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.





 
If you see mold or fungus on hard surfaces, clean it up with soap and water. Let the area dry completely.
Use exhaust fans or open a window in the bathroom and kitchen when showering, cooking, or washing dishes.
Fix water leaks as soon as possible to keep mold from growing.
Dry damp or wet articles completely to keep mold from growing.
 

 
Smoking and Outdoor Air Pollution

















 
Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke near your child or even in your home.
Request family members to smoke outside, for smoke lingers on in the curtains, the sofa and carpets for a long time and this could be a major trigger for your child.
Let your child play outdoors at times when the air quality is better.
Limit outdoor games that involve running hard for a long time.
Pay attention to your child’s asthma warning signs. If you start to see signs, limit outdoor activity. Be sure to talk about this with your child’s doctor.
If you find that your child’s asthma gets worse when you use a certain product, consider trying different products. Your child could be allergic to the chemicals in the products. Studies show that one single mosquito coil exposes your child to particulate matter air pollutants equal to 75 to 137 cigarettes.
 

 
Chemical irritants including cleaners, paints, adhesives, pesticides, cosmetics, mosquito coils or air fresheners.


 
If you must use a product, then make sure your child is not around.
Open windows or doors, or use an exhaust fan.
Remember to always follow the instructions on the label.
 


Please note: This is not an all inclusive list of triggers. If your child has asthma, you
have to watch your child’s trigger and tell your child to avoid contact with them. Always consult your doctor if you have any doubts about your child’s triggers, symptoms and treatment.