Health and Wellness Review

Knowing what triggers attacks is key to preventing them

Asthma is a very real problem; it affects 20 million Americans, and that number is only increasing. Though it’s the most common long-term disease in children, adults can also suffer from asthma. The disease causes wheezing, coughing, and dramatic attacks where the airways in one’s lungs become constricted; without medication, an attack can be fatal. The disease is often but not always hereditary, and environmental factors can play a critical (if unclear) role.

Inhalers are vital for people with moderate to severe asthma, but it’s also important for the asthma sufferer to avoid things that can trigger an attack. Here are seven things to watch out for:

1. Air Pollution
   Yes, it’s true. Smog is associated with asthma.
2. Secondhand Smoke
   Don’t be shy about asking others not to smoke around you.
3. Pets
   If your pet triggers attacks, keep the animal out of your bedroom and clean your floors frequently to minimize dander.
4. Dust
   More specifically, dust mites. Use hypoallergenic bed linens.
5. Mold
   Try to keep your house free of mold by keeping humidity low, eliminating leaks, and cleaning mold as soon as you see it.
6. Cockroaches
   Not only are they gross, but some asthmatics are allergic to them.
7. Other Stuff
   Everyone’s asthma responds to different triggers: foods, temperatures, even emotions. All you can do is learn your own triggers and try to avoid them.

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