Nursing Mothers

Eliminating triggers is the principal task in controlling childhood asthma.  Some asthma triggers are in our power and can easily be eliminated.  Other triggers are not in our control and the only thing we can do is recognize them and make plans to minimize their affects. Learning the warning signs of an asthma attack and keeping clear of the triggers is the best way to avoid an asthma attack.

Asthma Triggers That We Can Control

There are many things that we can do to reduce or eliminate some household triggers.  Some require thought and preparation.

Learn more about natural therapy for asthma

Some triggers can be eliminated completely, others can be effectively managed to reduce the risk of an attack.

Stop Wheezing, Start Breathing: The Bowen Technique for Asthma,  is a top quality step by step guide that explains the all natural Bowen technique for asthma.  Learn simple, gentle and safe moves for effective asthma relief.

Mold: a prime asthma trigger

Mold spores are everywhere and they reproduce quickly. Mold needs a warm, dark and moist environment to grow.  When it takes hold it will grow quickly. A wet bath towel that is left in a hamper for just a day will start to smell; mold is starting to grow.  If there are any leaks in plumbing, fix them.  We’re talking about simple things.  Don’t throw wet bathing suits into the washer and let them sit.  Get them cleaned and dried. Don’t leave a wet rag in the dishpan, wring out and let it dry.

Pet Dander, Urine and Saliva: easily controlled with little planning

All animals including humans slough off skin. A computer keyboard is a big trap for dead human skin cells.  Pet dander resembles dandruff. The simple act of a dog scratching will put a lot of dander into the air and onto the ground. It may not be necessary to find your cat or dog a new home.  Keep them off the furniture and out of the bedrooms. The dander will still get into the bedrooms on our feet but it may just be a manageable amount. Other pets, such as birds or hamsters, urinate in their cages.  Keep the cage lining clean. Do not let your asthmatic child clean the cage and certainly keep the cage out of her bedroom.

Tobacco Smoke: a well know trigger of asthma

This is common sense.  If you are a smoker don’t light up in the house or around children with asthma.  Secondhand smoke is dangerous.

Dust Mites: often ignored but important

Dust mites are everywhere.  But we can’t see them.  So we try to forget they are there. They love bed mattresses.  To help keep them from triggering an asthma attack wash all sheets and pillowcases at least once a week in warm water.

Household Dust: a well recognized childhood asthma attack cause

Household dust can contain bacteria and could be an asthma trigger.  It’s not just keeping the house dust free that will reduce an episode of childhood asthma, it’s how you do it.  A vacuum cleaner that is old and in need of repair or maintenance will stir up a significant amount of dust.  “Green Certified” homes normally have a central vacuum cleaner.  This removes the dust to the area where the canister is and helps isolate it from the rest of the home.

Air Quality: important for everyone!

Make sure that your heating and air conditioning filters are replaced often.  It is also a good idea to spend the extra money and get a good filter.  Not only will the filter reduce the amount of dust in the air but will also help remove pollen and other allergens.

Welcome and Door Mats: wipe your feet please!

A lot of pollutants are tracked in from the outside.  Pet dander can be brought into the house on the bottoms of shoes.  Get a good door mat and keep it clean. 

Cockroach Droppings: keep the house bug free

A big source of irritation for children with asthma is cockroach droppings and insect parts.  It is a good idea to hire a reputable exterminator and keep your home pest free.

Household Cleaning Supplies:  all natural is best

When you buy cleaning supplies keep in mind that you do not want to use something that will cause lung or airway irritation.

Asthma Triggers We Can’t Control

Weather: check the forecast

There are many environmental issues that we have no control over.  The weather is a big one.  If the weather is hot humid and stormy an asthma attack could be triggered. 

Air pollution: look before you leap..

Air quality is another factor. Obviously we don’t want to take our children with asthma to the park on a heavy air pollution day. It may not be a good idea to go to an auto race either. In this day and age we can find out the air quality simply by getting on the computer and punching in a zip code.  Follow this link for the Air Quality Index in your area.  Stay indoors when the index isn’t favorable

Pollen: seasons change and that’s a fact!

When the flowers are blooming childhood asthma attacks increase.  We can’t prevent the flowers from blooming but we can make it our business to know when the pollen count is high.

With a little planning and advice from your health care provider you child can lead a normal life. Help your child avoid things that can cause an attack.  Educate your child so that they learn the warning signs and triggers of an attack Childhood asthma can be controlled by recognizing and eliminating asthma triggers.

Stop Wheezing, Start Breathing is a top quality step by step guide that explains the all natural Bowen technique for asthma.  Learn simple, gentle and safe moves for effective asthma relief.

Childhood Astham Help Guides

Clear Your Home of Asthma Triggers: Your Child Will Breasthe Easier. This brochure is a handy resource for parents and caregivers of children with asthma. It explains common indoor asthma triggers and how to control them in homes.

Dusty the Asthma Goldfish and His Asthma Triggers Funbook. This educational activity book helps children learn more about asthma triggers.

Why is Coco Orange?  Coco the chameleon can’t change colors, and his asthma is acting up. Read how Coco and his friends at Lizard Lick Elementary solve this mystery as they learn about air quality and how to stay healthy when the air quality is bad. This picture book is for all children, especially those with asthma, and their caregivers.