Everyday should feel like a breath of fresh air–but that’s not the case for those with asthma.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, significantly affects the daily life of those who have it. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), an estimated 26 million people all over the U.S. suffer from asthma. That’s one in every thirteen people! For these individuals, every breath can be a battle. 

Monica Kraft formerly of Duke University and the University of Arizona begins by differentiating asthma triggers, what leading organizations have to say about managing these triggers, and how we can help loved ones manage this health challenge.

Types of Asthma Triggers

There are several types of triggers:

Irritants

These cause irritation to already sensitive airways, leading to inflammation or other asthma symptoms. Irritants could be, but are not limited to:

• Smoke
• Air pollution
• Cold air or high humidity
• Strong odors, sprays, or chemical fumes

Allergens

Allergens are seen as a foreign threat, and the body reacts accordingly to neutralize such threats. However, in some people, this reaction is vastly exaggerated and creates redness and swelling of the upper and lower airways, leading to symptoms of shortness of breath, cough and wheezing. 

This article will focus on common environmental allergens, what they are, and how to minimize their impact on an asthmatic’s quality of life.

Discussing Common Environmental Allergens

Pet Dander

A common misconception is that fur causes allergic reactions. Actually, the real cause is ‘dander.’ These are skin flakes shed by animals with feathers, fur, or hair. Humans also shed dander, and when their skin and hair follicles develop flakes, we call it dandruff.

For those with allergy to dander, exposure can be minimized:

• Keep pets out of the allergic person’s bedroom
• Remove carpets; can use area rugs if needed
• Vacuum regularly (once/week) using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter
• Bathe dogs twice a week to decrease dander

Dust Mites

These relatives of spiders like to live in warm humid places with plenty of dust and dead skin to eat, such as pillows, mattresses, and carpets.

Dust mites cannot be eliminated, but these steps can be taken to reduce the dust mite population:

• Maintain humidity levels at 50% or below
• Wash bedding and blankets in 140 degree Fahrenheit water on a weekly basis
• Opt for using bedding made out of synthetic materials
• Use allergen-proof covers for pillows and mattresses under pillow cases and sheets to reduce exposure to dust mites.

Cockroaches

According to the American Lung Association, one in five houses presents significant levels of cockroach allergen. Fortunately, aside from making sure food scraps are always cleaned away, the steps taken against dust mites are also effective against cockroaches. 

Pollen

This powdery substance is part of the reproduction process of plants.

While there is no way to avoid pollen completely, experts from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences advise to:

• Avoid outdoors in the morning, particularly from 5 am to 10 a.m during times of high pollen counts.
• Time outdoor activities for when pollen levels are lower, typically late afternoons or after heavy rainfall
• Make sure windows are closed, and avoid fans that can circulate allergens

Mold

Mold is found in damp areas around the house or in areas that have been damaged by water. 

To reduce mold exposure in a home:

• Dry damp or wet items within 24 hours
• Fix water leaks
• Maintain low indoor humidity
• Open a window during a shower

For any concerns about allergies with associated with asthma or not, it is best to seek care from a board certified allergist who can perform a history, physical examination and do appropriate testing to determine your allergies and what can be done to treat them.

Every day, 10 people in the U.S. die due to asthma attacks. 

However, as awareness of how to manage asthma grows, we hope for less incidents in the future.