The 5 Most Common Asthma Triggers
People suffering from asthma can experience an attack anytime they are around the triggers. Interestingly, what triggers an asthma attack in you might not trigger an asthma attack in another asthma patient. Through different instances of life, you’ll have to be observant and understand the common asthma triggers for asthma. Next, you have to make all effort to avoid them.
In addition to the individual specific triggers, there are a few common triggers for asthma, which usually lead to symptom flare-ups in asthma patients. These include:
Tobacco smoke
In general, tobacco is not good for all of us. However, it is typically damaging for an asthma patient. So, as an asthma patient, your first instinct should be to stop smoking. If you do not smoke, you also have to maintain a safe distance from people smoking around you, i.e., no passive smoking. Passive smoking, too, can lead to symptom flare-ups in an asthma patient. So, as a general rule of thumb, do not let people smoke around you.
Dust mites
The tiny bugs that are present in every home are known as dust mites. Though small in size, they are hugely responsible for triggering an attack in an asthma patient. Thus, to prevent it, you should always use pillow covers and mattress covers. These will form a barrier in-between you and the dust mites. Further, it would be best if you always avoided comforters, quilts, or down-filled pillows. It would help if you also got rid of the unnecessary clutter from your room. Also, you should get your bedding washed every week.
Air pollution
Now, honestly, there’s not much that you can do about the pollution in the air. The pollution releases into the air via factories, chimneys, and vehicles. The least you can do is keep a check on the air quality index when you step out. However, if it is inevitable, and you have to step out for an emergency, wear a mask.
Cockroach allergens
Cockroach allergens and cockroaches itself can trigger a symptom-flare up. So, you have to ensure that there are zero cockroaches in the house. You’ll mostly see cockroaches in the place where you eat or near the water sources. So, try to keep the area clean. To ensure that there is no food crumbs on the floor. It would be best if you made it a point to sweep or vacuum the area, which is more prone to cockroaches after every two to three days.
Pet dander
Furry pet trigger attacks in most asthma patients. So, if the pet dander triggers an attack, you have to move the pet to a different home. If not, try to keep away from it, as much as possible. Further, keep them clean and trim their fur frequently. Mop or vacuum more regularly when a pet and an asthma patient are living in the same house.