Allergens in the Home
Asthma triggers--any substance or even activity that causes an asthma attack--can be found both inside and outside the home. There are many common substances that fill the home that can exacerbate asthma symptoms, like dust, mold, pet dander. Household pests like cockroaches and rodents (or at least their droppings) can all trigger asthma, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To keep them out of your home and reduce asthma symptoms, do your best to keep your home as clean as possible and, try to limit the amount of fabrics that absorb these irritants. That includes carpets, rugs, draperies and upholstered furniture.
Smoke and Other Pollutants
If you have asthma, you know you shouldn't smoke and you should also limit your exposure to other people who smoke to reduce asthma symptoms, says the EPA. Don't allow smoking in your home or car, and try to steer clear of clouds of secondhand smoke in public places. Pollutants in the air, from car exhaust to the smoke billowing from big factories in your town, can trigger an asthma attack, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Try to stay indoors when air pollution--and allergens like pollen, ragweed and mold--are high.
Your Activity and Health
Exercise is good for you, even with asthma. But if you push yourself a little too hard and exercise strenuously, the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says that the overexertion can trigger asthma symptoms. They can also be triggered by being out and about in air that's cold and dry. Getting sick with some type of respiratory infection, or suffering from acid reflux disease, can also make your asthma symptoms worse, says the AAAAI.
