Health Issue: Asthma Living Your Life

Health Issue: Asthma

Living Your Life

How to control asthma symptoms

Treatment of your symptoms involves avoiding things that cause asthma attacks, keeping track of your symptoms and taking medicine.

How can I avoid allergens and irritants?

If pollen and mold cause your symptoms, use your air conditioner and try to keep the windows of your home and car closed. Change the filter on your heating and cooling systems frequently.

To keep mold down, clean and air out bathrooms, kitchens and basements often. Keep the level of humidity under 50%. You can do this with an air conditioner or a dehumidifier.

People who are allergic to dust are actually allergic to the droppings of dust mites. To reduce dust mites in your home, wash bed sheets weekly in hot water (above 130°F). Cover mattresses and pillows in airtight covers and remove carpets and drapes. If you must have carpet, you can treat it with chemicals to help reduce dust mites. Try to avoid stuffed animals, dried flowers and other things that catch dust.

Pets can cause problems if you're allergic to them. If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom.

Don't allow smoking in your house or car. Tobacco smoke can make your asthma worse.

Things that can trigger asthma attacks

• Air pollution 

•  Dust

• Mold

• Pollen

• Tobacco smoke

• Pet dander

• Exercise

• Changes in temperature

• Some foods

• Sulfite (food preservative in red wine, beer, salad bars, dehydrated soups and other foods)

• Aspirin, or ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)

• Heartburn

• Sinus infections

• Strong emotions

• Perfume

• Spray-on deodorants

• Viruses