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Asthma

The Two Main Components of Asthma

Constriction and Inflammation

When you have asthma, two main things are happening in your lungs: constriction (the tightening of the muscles around the airways) and inflammation (the swelling and irritation of your airways).

Constriction and inflammation both cause narrowing of the airways, which results in symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. There is increasing evidence that, if left untreated, asthma can cause long-term decline in lung function.

To find out what causes these two main components to narrow the airways of your lungs,

Asthma Triggers

It may not be possible to completely eliminate all asthma triggers, but you should still try to remove as many triggers as possible from your home and work areas. This can help you enjoy a healthier life with fewer asthma symptoms and attacks. Select one of the triggers below to find out how you can learn to avoid it.

Smoking

Do not allow smoking in the home or around you, especially in the bedroom or a car. Avoid smoke-filled areas.

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs you cannot see that live in cloth and carpet.

• Encase your mattress and pillow in a special dust-proof cover.
• Replace old pillows with new ones at least once every 5 years.
• Wash the sheets and blankets on your bed each week in hot water. Water must be hotter than 130°F (this kills dust mites).
• During the day, keep dust off your bed by covering the entire bed with a bedspread. At night, take off the bedspread and put it in another room.
• If you've done all these things and still have trouble with your asthma, talk to your doctor.

Pets

Some people are allergic to the flakes of skin (dander) or dried saliva that comes from animals with fur or feathers.

• Find a new home for the pet or keep pets out of your home. This can be very hard to do, but it may be the best way to control your asthma if you're allergic to animals.
• If you cannot keep pets out of your home, keep the pet out of your bedroom and keep the bedroom door closed.
• Consider placing filters on the air vents in your bedroom.
• Remove carpets and furniture covered with cloth from your home. If this is not possible, keep the pet out of the rooms where these are located.

Cockroaches

Many people with asthma are allergic to the dried droppings and remains of cockroaches.

• Keep all food out of your bedroom.
• Keep food and garbage in closed containers (never leave food out).
• Use bait or traps to eliminate cockroaches.
• If a spray is used to kill roaches, stay out of the room until the odor goes away.

Indoor mold

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, or other sources of water.
• Clean mold off of surfaces with a cleaner that has bleach in it.
• Replace or wash moldy shower curtains.

Smoke, strong odors, and sprays

• If possible, do not use a wood-burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace.
• Try to stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfume, paints, and hair spray, and powders such as talcum powder.

Pollen or outdoor mold

During your allergy season, you should:

• Try to keep your windows closed.
• Stay indoors with windows closed during the midday and afternoon, if you can, because pollen and some mold spore counts are highest at that time.
• Ask your doctor whether you need to adjust your current asthma treatment regimen before your allergy season starts.

Activity

If your asthma is well-controlled, you still can be active. See your doctor if you have asthma symptoms when you're active.

• Warm up by stretching or walking for about 6 to 10 minutes before you exercise.
• Try not to work or play hard outside when the air pollution or pollen levels (if you are allergic to pollen) are high.

Colds and infections

If colds and infections trigger your asthma, talk with your doctor about developing a treatment plan to follow when you start feeling sick. Also plan to:

• Get a flu shot.
• Try to stay healthy by getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding contact with others who have colds or the flu.

Smoke, strong odors, and sprays

• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.
• Avoid going outside on days when pollen or mold counts are high if you are allergic to pollens or molds (check weather reports).

Smoke, strong odors, and sprays

• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.
• Avoid going outside on days when pollen or mold counts are high if you are allergic to pollens or molds (check weather reports).

Other asthma triggers

• Food allergies and sulfites in foods: For example, do not drink beer or wine or eat shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, or any other foods if any of these cause asthma symptoms.
• Some medicines: Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including aspirin, cold medicines, nonsteroidal medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), medicines for heart disease and high blood pressure, and even eye drops.