Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, and symptoms occur when the airways become swollen and hyper-responsive, causing bronchospasms. Asthma triggers can cause mild to severe flare-ups with symptoms ranging from breathlessness to coughing, chest tightness and wheezing. For a small child, these symptoms often cause anxiety and fear, which aggravates an already compromised respiratory system. While avoiding these triggers or allergens can be a challenge, just knowing what they are and how to avoid them is half the battle. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the key to managing asthma is to know what causes symptoms and how to eliminate them from a child’s environment.
Air Pollution
According to The Nemours Foundation, irritants and outdoor air pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust are common asthma triggers. These triggers or allergens can cause an asthma attack, so paying close attention to local air quality forecasts can be helpful when planning a day’s activities.
Cockroach Allergen
Cockroaches and their droppings are a major asthma trigger, particularly in small children. Cockroaches live and reproduce where food and crumbs accumulate, and with a toddler in the house, that is a regular occurrence. Get rid of cockroaches in the home and keep them from coming back by keeping counters, floors, kitchen tables and sinks clean. Clean the area under the toddler's chair after each meal. Doing this will take away the food and fluids that cockroaches need to survive. At least every third day, vacuum carpets, floors, and damp mop kitchen areas to keep them as clean and food-free as possible.
Pet Dander
Dander from cats, dogs and other furry pets may trigger an asthma attack, particularly if their hair collects on the floor where toddlers tend to be most of the time. When a child is allergic to a pet's dander, the obvious solution is to find the pet a new home; however, giving up a beloved pet can be extremely difficult for the entire family. Pets and asthma sufferers can co-exist with a few household changes. Pets can have their own bed in another part of the home, away from the child’s bedroom and be trained to stay off the furniture. Vacuuming carpets twice a week, and bathing and brushing the pet on a regular basis will help to eliminate pet dander. If possible, keeping the pet outside while the weather is warm will also minimize the amount of pet dander in the home.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Environmental tobacco smoke or secondhand smoke is a major cause of asthma exacerbation. Parents, friends, and relatives of toddlers with asthma should never smoke around a child or adult with asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "second-hand smoke is a leading cause of asthma exacerbation in children and adults."
Mold
Inhaling mold can cause illness and even death, particularly in very small children with an already compromised respiratory system. Get rid of mold in all parts of the home and keep the humidity level between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, using an air conditioner and a dehumidifier will help prevent mold from developing.
