Houston Department of Health and Human Services > Epidemiology and Disease Reporting > Epidemiology Corner > Asthma Part 2

Epidemiology Corner

September 10, 2004

Asthma Part 2

In the previous edition of The Pulse, you learned about asthma and asthma attacks. An asthma attack may be triggered when something irritates your lungs. Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Below are some of the most common environmental triggers and actions you can take to reduce exposure.

Dust - Dust is created by dust mites that live in mattresses, carpets, stuffed animals and fabrics like sheets, curtains and clothing. To keep dust levels low, you can:

• Wash sheets and blankets once a week in hot water.
• Remove stuffed animals, or wash them in hot water. Remember to dry the stuffed animals completely to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpeting with area rugs or wood or tile floors.
• Clean your house or apartment regularly.

Tobacco Smoke - Smoke from cigarettes, pipes and cigars can irritate lungs. To reduce exposure to smoke:

• If you smoke, consider quitting.
• If you can’t quit, do not smoke inside your house or car.
• Do not let others smoke in your house or car.

Pets - Flakes from your pets' skin, called dander, and your pets' saliva can trigger asthma attacks. To reduce exposure to pet dander and saliva:

• Keep pets as outdoor animals.
• If you keep an indoor pet, limit access to the bedroom by closing the door at all times.
• Clean your house or apartment regularly.

Household Pests - Some people are sensitive to the droppings from household pests such as cockroaches and rodents. To reduce exposure to pests and their droppings:

• Don’t leave food or garbage out and store food in airtight containers.
• Quickly clean up all food crumbs or spilled liquids.
• Use poison baits or traps before pesticide sprays.
• If you must use pesticide sprays, carefully follow the label instructions, make sure the area has plenty of fresh air and keep the asthmatic (person with asthma) out of the room.

Outdoor Air Pollution - Asthmatics may be sensitive to outdoor air pollution, including fine particles and a gas called ozone. To avoid exposure to unhealthy air:

• Pay attention to weather forecasts to know when unhealthy air days occur.
• Don’t exercise near high-traffic areas
• Don’t exercise outdoors on high pollution days
• If you must be outside during high pollution days, plan to be outside during the early morning hours when the air is cleaner.      

Reducing exposure to your triggers is one way to help control your asthma. Remember only a licensed physician can diagnose asthma. If you think you or your child may have asthma, make an appointment with your physician to be evaluated.

To check local air quality, call the Air Pollution Index at 713.640.4358, or visit http://www.epa.gov/airnow/where/index.html. Click on Texas and scroll down to the Houston area.

For help in quitting smoking, call 1.800.227.2345. Trained counselors help plan a quit method that fits each person's unique pattern of tobacco use. Available 24 hours a day with English and Spanish speaking counselors.

For more information on environmental asthma triggers, please visit http://www.epa.gov/asthma/asthma.html.