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Sources: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency
For more tips on
managing your
asthma, visit our
health library at
www.sgmh.org.
Dust mites
These tiny bugs exist in every home and hide
in many places, especially bedding, carpets and
items covered with fabric.
Keep mites at bay by using dust-proof, zip-
pered covers on pillows and mattresses. Vacuum
carpet and upholstered furniture every week.
And wash bedding in hot water weekly. Wash
stuffed toys in hot water too.
Secondhand smoke
and indoor air
pollutants
Secondhand smoke not
only causes asthma attacks;
it can make them more se-
vere. So don’t allow smok-
ing in your home—ever.
Smoke from burning
wood is also a trigger.
Only use wood that’s been
covered and is dry in a
fireplace; there will be less
smoke. And if you cook
with gas, always use the
exhaust fan. Gas stoves
release nitrogen dioxide,
which may make asthma
flare up.
Mold
This trigger needs moisture
to grow. Control mold by keep-
ing the humidity level in your
home low—no higher than
50 percent. Use an air condi-
tioner or dehumidifier if neces-
sary. Fix water leaks as soon as
possible.
Taking a shower? Use an
exhaust fan or open a window.
And if you see mold on hard
surfaces, clean it up with soap
and water. Then let the area
completely dry.
Animal allergens
No matter how well-loved,
a furry pet can make asthma
worse in people who are allergic
to animal dander. Sorry, but the
best defense is to find another
home for Fluffy or Fido.
If you just can’t part with your
pet, keep it out of the bedroom
of the person with asthma. Also,
keep the pet away from uphol-
stered furniture, carpets and
stuffed toys as much as possible.
S
tepping inside your front
door shouldn’t make
you—or anyone in your
family—wheeze. Yet any
number of substances that can
bring on an asthma attack might
be lurking inside.
Here’s a look at how to rid your
home of four common asthma
triggers, which may help keep
this lung disease under control.