Golisano Children's Hospital / Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Practice / Asthma Triggers

Asthma Triggers

Common Asthma Triggers & What To Do About Them

What was around your child or what was your child doing when asthma got worse?

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Exposure to poor air quality can irritate the lungs and worsen allergies.
Warmer temperatures decrease air quality by increasing air pollution and create longer allergy seasons.
What to do: Monitor outdoor air quality and stay inside when it reaches unhealthy levels.
- AirNow – AirNow reports air quality in your local area, in the state, nation, and the world.

Fine powdery grains produced by plants carried by the wind. Pollen seasons vary based on where you live.
What to do: Check local pollen counts and limit outdoor time.
- Pollen.com – Current Allergy Report for Rochester, NY and other areas.

One of the most common triggers for asthma flare is a viral infection – the most frequent is rhinovirus, that causes the common cold.
What to do: Frequent hand washing can prevent the spread of virus. Try to not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
What to do: If your child has to use rescue inhaler more often, call your child’s pediatrician. Ask pediatrician for an asthma action plan so that you know what steps to take if your child gets sick.

Fungus can grow in damp or water damaged areas, and fungal spores can be breathed in.
What to do: Reduce moisture and increase airflow. Address water leaks and scrub mold from hard surfaces.
- EPA Environmental Protection Agency - Mold – Provides guidance about mold and moisture for homes, schools, multifamily and commercial buildings.
- Mold and Your Home: What You Need to Know – A publication from the New York State Department of Health.

Cockroaches, mice, and rats produce allergens that can affect children with asthma.
What to do: Put away food, remove garbage, fix leaks, and seal cracks in floors and walls.
- Monroe County Environmental Health – Services/Programs
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Pest Control and Pesticide Safety for Consumers
- Call: Monroe County Rodent Control (585) 753-5171

Smoke from the end of a burning cigarette contains chemicals that persist in the environment and make asthma worse.
What to do: Make your home and car smoke-free. Reduce smoke drift from your neighbors.
- NY State Smokers Quitline
- 1-866-NY-QUITS – (1-866-697-8487)
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW – (1-800-784-8669)
- 1-877-44U-QUIT – (1-877-448-7848)

Vapor consists of particulate matter that may worsen asthma symptoms and irritate the lungs.
What to do: Children with asthma should avoid vaping and being around e-cigarette vapor.
- Know the Risks E-cigarettes & Young People – The facts on e-cigarette use among youth and young adults.

Strong smells from scented soaps, air fresheners and perfumes are irritants that make asthma worse.
What to do: Choose fragrance-free products and unscented baby wipes.

These are tiny insects that thrive in soft places like pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys.
What to do: Cover pillows and mattresses with dust-proof covers, wash bedding and stuffed toys that are washable in hot water.

Animal dander is composed of tiny flakes of skin shed from furry animals.
What to do: Keep furry pets off the carpet and out of the bedrooms, vacuum often with a filter to trap tiny particles.