For parents, there’s nothing worse than seeing their children struggle and feeling powerless to help. If one of your kids has asthma, you probably feel like this whenever they have a flare-up. By knowing what triggers attacks, you can take steps to prevent them. Review this handy guide to know what to do. 

What Could Be Triggering My Child's Asthma?

1. Allergens 

Mold, dust mites, pollen, and pet dander can trigger asthma symptoms. Although you have no control over the pollen count, you can limit exposure by vacuuming and dusting regularly. Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers throughout your home and hypoallergenic linens in bedrooms will also keep allergens at bay. 

2. Airborne Irritants 

Tobacco smoke, paint fumes, aerosol sprays, gasoline vapors, and perfume are common irritants that can prompt asthma flare-ups. To protect your children’s respiratory health, use unscented, nonaerosol cleaning products, and forbid smoking in your home. You should also keep your kids away from environments likely to produce a lot of airborne irritants, such as construction sites and monster truck rallies. 

3. Extreme Weather 

Both cold, dry air and hot, humid air can trigger asthma symptoms. Check the forecast before doing any outdoor activity, like going to the zoo. If conditions look problematic, reschedule the outing, and do something indoors instead. 

4. Exercise 

As the name implies, exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is triggered by physical exertion. Approximately nine out of 10 people with asthma also have EIA. It’s also common in high-performance athletes. If your child’s EIA is preventing them from participating in sports, talk to your pediatrician about medications that open the airways and inhibit inflammation. 

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of asthma, take them to Leitchfield Pediatrics for diagnosis and treatment. Since 1976, this full-service pediatric practice has been caring for patients throughout Grayson County, KY.  Led by board-certified physicians, their friendly team knows how to put patients at ease from the moment they enter the office. Go online to view information for new patients, or call (270) 259-5641 to request an appointment.