Asthma Guide for Teens: Dealing with Triggers

Asthma Guide for Teens:
Dealing with Triggers

What is Asthma?	Treatment
Common Symptoms	When to Get Help
Causes and Triggers	Asthma Action Plan
Dealing with Triggers	Living with Asthma
Exercise Induced Asthma	Resources
Getting Diagnosed

The thing about triggers is that one type of trigger (let’s say dust mites) may cause your friend’s asthma symptoms, but another kind of trigger (such as dog dander) may bring on your symptoms. Triggers can vary among people. While taking your medicine and avoiding your triggers is the best way to control asthma and prevent symptoms, you can’t always avoid triggers in the environment. You can, however, be proactive about certain things such as:

Keeping your bed and bedroom as dust free as possible. (Carpets, drapes, and stuffed animals collect dust and dust mites-get rid of these items if possible.)
Cover your mattress with a protective zippered case to keep dust mites out.
Wash your sheets in hot water at least once a week.
Vacuum and dust your sleeping and living areas at least once a week.
Don’t buy scented health and beauty products or cleaning products with strong scents.
Quit if you smoke.
Stay in an air conditioned place if the air quality outside is especially bad (on humid/hot days).
Get a yearly flu shot.
WASH YOUR HANDS often - This is the #1 way to lower your risk of catching colds or the flu.

Next: Exercise Induced Asthma

Written by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 9/4/2009

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