How Much Do You Know about Asthma Triggers?
Asthma flare-ups can be started by things known as triggers. Do you know what can trigger asthma? Test your knowledge.
1. Pet birds don’t cause a problem for people with asthma.
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Pet birds can cause asthma flare-ups in some people—as can dogs and cats. This is because things such as fur, dry skin flakes (dander), feathers, droppings, and saliva may be asthma triggers.
You can protect yourself by choosing a pet that doesn’t have fur or feathers, such as a fish or a reptile. Wash your hands and clothes after handling pets with fur or feathers. Dander can float through the air or stick to carpet, clothing, and furniture.
3. Laughing or crying can trigger an asthma flare-up.
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Laughing, crying, and feeling excited are triggers for some people. Stress and anxiety can also trigger asthma. You can’t avoid most of these normal emotions, but you can learn ways to slow your breathing and avert a flare-up. Try this breathing exercise: Start by breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of 2 seconds. Then pucker your lips and breathe out for a count of 4 seconds. Try to focus on a soothing image in your mind. This will help relax you and calm your breathing. Remember to take your daily controller medications. When you’re upset or under stress, it’s easy to forget.
4. It’s a myth that perfume can trigger asthma flare-ups.
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It’s not a myth. Perfume and other strong scents can trigger asthma flare-ups. Switch to unscented soap, lotion, toilet paper, and cleaning products. Use scent-free deodorant and lotion. Don’t use perfumes, air fresheners, potpourri, and other scented products.
6. Mold is a common cause of asthma flare-ups.
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Mold grows in damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and closets. Clean damp areas weekly to prevent mold growth. This includes shower stalls and sinks. You may need someone to clean these areas for you. Or try wearing a mask. Run an exhaust fan while bathing. Or leave a window open in the bathroom. Repair water leaks in or around your home. Have someone else rake leaves, if possible.
8. It’s OK to use ammonia or bleach to clean if you have asthma.
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Household cleaners that have ammonia or bleach can cause irritation to the airways and trigger an asthma flare-up. Instead, make a cleaning solution by mixing water with white vinegar or baking soda.
9. Tiny bugs called dust mites can cause asthma symptoms.
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Dust mites are tiny bugs too small to see or feel. But they can trigger asthma flare-ups in some people. Dust mites live in mattresses, bedding, carpets, curtains, and indoor dust. They thrive in warm, moist environments. Here’s what you can do to help prevent problems:
- Wash bedding in hot water (130°F) each week. This kills the dust mites.
- Cover mattress and pillows with special dust-mite-proof (hypoallergenic) cases.
- Don’t use upholstered furniture like sofas or chairs in the bedroom.
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