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There are two main types of asthma triggers: allergens and irritants.
Allergens are specific to a person and cause an immune response in their body. Irritants are things that aggravate the nose, lining of the nose, throat and the lungs.
Some of the most common indoor allergens are:
Some of the most common indoor irritants are:
Other irritants can include:
Not everyone has the same asthma triggers, so it’s important to find the most bothersome triggers in your home. An allergist — a doctor who specializes in treating allergies — can also help pinpoint triggers with allergy testing. Once you know which triggers are the worst and where they hide in your house, you can get rid of them.
Every room in your home can provide shelter to allergens. A careful room-by-room survey can help you identify and remove them.
Bedroom
The most likely triggers in the bedroom are dust mites and pet dander. Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see. They’re often found in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys. Many people with asthma are allergic to the droppings and body parts of dust mites.
To fight dust mites, think about places where dust collects, then clean those spots often. Here are some more tips:
Living room
Common triggers in the living room include dust mites, pets, strong odors, wood smoke and tobacco smoke. If someone with asthma lives in your home, you should never smoke in the home. Limit or avoid the use of wood smoke and fireplaces, too. You can also take these steps:
Bathroom
Mold is the main trigger in bathrooms. So are strong odors from hairspray, perfume, scented candles and air fresheners. To eliminate triggers in the bathroom:
Also, remember the bathroom is a place to wash off triggers. Some outdoor triggers can become indoor triggers. When kids play outside, they often bring pollen and ragweed inside. Make sure they take a bath and wash their hair before going to bed.
Kitchen
We don't want to think about pests in our homes, but in the kitchen, cockroaches can be a problem. Many people with asthma are allergic to cockroach droppings. Exposure to them can trigger asthma symptoms. To prevent pests:
Do you have a gas stove? If so, be aware that it releases nitrogen dioxide that bothers some people with asthma. When you cook, use an exhaust fan.
Ridding your home of asthma triggers may seem like a big job. Break it down into simple steps and take a slow, room-by-room approach. Even small steps will make a difference for a person living with asthma.
Originally published 7/1/2016; Revised 2020, 2022, 20204
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