Interactive: Common Asthma Triggers
with Glenn F. Ragalie, M.D., Pulmonary Specialist with Columbia St. Mary's and Dr. Tobias Enright, M.D., Allergy/Immunology Specialist with Advanced Healthcare

Some items in your bedroom are possible environmental irritants.

Click on the objects on the image below to receive tips in dealing with these common asthma triggers:

Airborne Irritants
Have a smoker in the house? Cigarette smoke is the prime airborne asthma offender. But there are others, ranging from perfume and aftershave to scented lotions and hairspray. Maintain indoor air quality by sending a smoker outside and using scent-free products. An air purifier that removes pollutants may give added relief.

back to top

Bedding
Bedding can harbor dust mites in pillows, comforters and mattresses. Cover all of these with allergen-proof covers, which are available in most department stores. Wash bedding every two weeks in hot water. Avoid wool blankets. If you use down pillows and comforters, keep them covered as well. In addition, try to avoid sending any particles airborne at bedtime. Make your bed early in the day.

back to top

Carpeting
Dust mites and molds love carpeting, and the older the carpeting the more allergens it likely contains. If redecorating, consider replacing carpets with hardwood or tile. If this is not possible, vacuum often, preferably with a vacuum cleaner with a filter to trap allergens. Most new models have an allergy rating on them. There also are special carpet cleaners that remove allergens and kill dust mites.

back to top

Clothes and Clutter
Knick-knacks on the dresser. Clothes on the floor. That stuffed animal collection you can't part with. That pretty lace dresser scarf. All of these catch and collect dust. Keep your bedroom decor simple and easy to dust and vacuum.

back to top

Curtains & Blinds
Those beautiful folds in decorative swags and valances are the perfect place for dust to collect. If your draperies are washable, wash them often. If you have blinds, dust them often. Many people find it simpler to replace both with shades.

back to top

Exercise
For some people, exercise can trigger an attack. It is important for those with exercise-induced asthma to follow a physician's advice on the use of medicine before or after a workout and to stop exercising if asthma symptoms occur. Regular aerobic exercise is beneficial for asthma sufferers, however, so patients should work with their physician to develop a regimen that will allow it.

back to top

Forced Air Heat
If your asthma seems to arrive about the time the heat goes on, you may be allergic to the molds and dust in your furnace vents. To minimize the problem, use high quality furnace filters and change them often. Many asthma sufferers get relief by closing the air ducts leading to the bedroom and substituting an electric heater.

back to top

Humidifier
Some people, especially children recovering from winter colds, breathe easier with more humidity in the air. However, if molds are an asthma trigger, a humid room may foster their growth. Try to maintain a healthy level of humidity, and run an air conditioner or dehumidifier in the damp summer months.

Dr. Ragalie stressed that you must be careful with a humidifier and follow all manufacturers' advice about cleaning humidifiers so that mold does not grow in the machine and aggravate asthma.

back to top

Outdoor Air
Open windows let in pollen, dust and dampness that promotes mold growth. If any of these are asthma triggers for you, use an air conditioner with a filter to keep the air pure.

back to top

Pets
Dog and cat dander and bird feathers and droppings are common allergens. If your pet makes you cough or sneeze, keep them out of your bedroom day and night. If the allergy is severe, desensitizing shots might help. There are other possibilities as well.

"It has been found that if you wash your pets on a regular basis, usually once a week, it will reduce dander but realistically, most people won't do that. I suggest that people check with their vets for other ideas," said Dr. Tobias Enright, an allergy/immunology specialist with Advanced Healthcare.

Sometimes the only recourse is to remove the pet from the home. If the pet is older and the asthma under control, people may opt to not replace the animal after it dies.

back to top

Vacuums & Cleaning Products
The lemon-scented aerosol cleaner you use on your wooden furniture may be an asthma trigger, as may be carpet deodorants and aerosol air "purifiers." Be aware of what you are using in a room and its effect on your asthma. In addition, clean and vacuum your bedroom early in the day, not close to bedtime.

People whose asthma is triggered by the cleaning, and the airborne particles that are a part of the process, may need to have someone else run the vacuum for them.

back to top