How Much Do You Know about Asthma Triggers?

Pet birds can cause asthma flare-ups in some people—as can dogs and cats. This is because things such as fur, dry skin flakes (dander), feathers, droppings, and saliva may be asthma triggers.

You can protect yourself by choosing a pet that doesn’t have fur or feathers, such as a fish or a reptile. Wash your hands and clothes after handling pets with fur or feathers. Dander can float through the air or stick to carpet, clothing, and furniture.

Certain types of weather can trigger asthma in some people. Keep track of which types of weather may affect you most: cold, hot, humid, or windy. This varies from person to person. Limit outdoor activity if a certain type of weather affects you. Protect your lungs in cold weather by wearing a scarf over your mouth and nose.

Vehicle exhaust and other air pollutants combine to create smog. This can be a trigger. Read or listen to local air quality reports. These let you know when air quality is poor. Stay indoors as much as you can on smoggy days. If possible, use air conditioning instead of opening the windows. In your car, set air conditioning to recirculate air, so less pollution gets in.

Any kind of smoke can trigger asthma flare-ups. If you smoke, think about quitting. Don't let anyone smoke in your home or car. And stay away from others who smoke. Smoke from fires or cooking can also cause asthma flare-ups.

Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see or feel. But they can trigger asthma flare-ups in some people. Dust mites live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, curtains, and indoor dust. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Here’s what you can do to help prevent problems:

• Wash bedding in hot water (130°F) each week. This kills the dust mites.
• Cover mattress and pillows with special dust-mite-proof (hypoallergenic) cases.
• Don’t use upholstered furniture like sofas or chairs in the bedroom.