Environmental Triggers

If you have asthma, your symptoms may be triggered or worsened by substances in the air you breathe:

• Don't smoke
• Avoid passive (secondhand) smoke, which may trigger asthma attacks and increase their severity.
• Don't smoke in indoor areas your child uses, especially if the child has asthma. Your child has a greater chance of developing asthma if you are a smoker.

Steer clear of smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces and even barbecue grills.

Refrain from using household cleaning products, fresh paint, room deodorizers, strong cooking odors, workplace chemicals, hairsprays, perfumes and cosmetics.

Cold air dries the lungs out and causes the muscles around airways to contract, causing asthma symptoms.

• Cover your mouth with a soft scarf or a cold-air mask if you exercise outdoors during cold weather,
• Try to breathe through your nose.

Try to reduce your exposure to air pollution, which can cause lung irritation.

• Check your local weather reports regularly for air-quality information.
• Limit physical activity to early morning or evening; smog is increased in sunlight.
• Limit activities and remain indoors when pollution levels are dangerous.

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