The most common triggers that affect children and their
asthma include colds, exposure to smoking, weather changes, and allergies
(to dust, molds, cats, dogs, birds—in that order). Some of these we can't
control, but some we can, often with very little effort.
Colds: They may be
unavoidable, but there are some things that help. Teach your child good
hygiene. Good hand-washing goes along way. Set a good example by washing
your hands, too!
- Your child should get the flu (influenza) shot annually.
It's the one cold we can prevent!
- Discuss the pneumococcal vaccine with your doctor also.
Exposure to Smoking: Probably
the most important preventable trigger.
-
Try to quit. Easier said than done, but it is the single
biggest way that you can affect your child's asthma.
-
Get help! Very few people can do it alone and there is lots
of help available. Some of the money from tobacco settlements is for just
helping people quit.
-
If you can't quit, cut down. Smoking outside helps a little,
but the smoke sticks to your hair and clothes, and then you bring it inside.
Weather changes: Not
too much you can do, but be realistic about where you live. Sometimes a
move to a different part of the country can make the world of difference—for
better or for worse.
