| Many things can cause asthma symptoms to start; these are called triggers. Every child's asthma triggers are different. Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out exactly what your child's asthma triggers are. Work with your child's doctor or nurse to identify your child's specific triggers. It is important to try to control your child's exposure to the triggers that make his or her asthma worse.
Irritants and allergies are the two main types of asthma triggers:
Irritants
Irritants are substances that irritate the nose, throat, or airways. Common irritants include: • Cigarette smoke
• Strong smells
• Colds or other respiratory illnesses
• Chemicals
• Air pollutants
• Weather conditions
Allergies
Many children with asthma also have allergies, which can make asthma worse. With allergies, a child's immune system becomes sensitive to allergens, which can include: • pollen
• pet dander
• dust mites
• mold and mildew
• cockroaches
These allergens can increase inflammation (swelling) in the airways and trigger asthma. With continued inflammation, the airways become even more sensitive to triggers. Other triggers
Exercise
Exercise can trigger... |
