Symptoms and Triggers

Understanding Asthma

What Happens in the Lungs

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs.  No one knows exactly why some get it. 

So far, there isn’t a cure.

But asthma can be controlled with proper, long-term treatment so you or your child can enjoy a happy, active life.

 
  • Air travels in and out of the lungs through tubes called airways .
  • When a person has asthma, the airways are sensitive to things like dust, smoke, and pollen.
  • If he or she comes in contact with these irritants, the muscles that wrap around the airways start to tighten.
  • The airways become inflamed, and their lining swells and produces excess mucus.
  • Then the airways get blocked, and the person has a hard time getting air in and out.
  • This is called a flare-up or attack.

Early Warning Signs

During an Asthma Flare-Up:
Often there are signs that the airways are getting narrower before a flare-up begins. These early warning signs include: 
Sneezing or coughing
Tightness in chest or changes in breathing
Sore or itchy throat or stuffy nose
Tiredness, moodiness, or restlessness
Headache or trouble sleeping
If you notice any of these signs,
refer to your/ your child's action plan. 
Muscles tighten around the airways. This makes the airways narrower.
The lining inside the airways swells. This also makes the airways narrower.
The lining makes extra mucus. This blocks the airways even more.

Signs of a Flare-Up in Progress: 

Coughing or wheezing

Shortness of breath or faster breathing

Chest or neck pulled in or shoulders hunched over

Asthma triggers in the home - click open/close

 

Once problem areas are found, you can help control these triggers, especially in the bedrooms.
Potential triggers such as:

  • Dust - Heavy drapes, upholstered furniture, thick rugs, and other decorative items are major dust collectors. Mattresses can be a resting place for dust mites. Put dustproof cases on pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Dust and vacuum often. Use a damp cloth or mop, not a broom. Wash stuffed animals regularly and don’t sleep with them.
  • Heating System - Change filters once a year.  Vents may require cleaning to reduce the spread of dust and other irritants.
  • Bedding - Feather filled pillows or other types of fillings can be triggers; we can suggest more appropriate materials for your family. Because of pollen in the air, dry clothes and bedding in a dryer, not outside on a clothesline.
  • Pets - Animal dander and saliva are potent allergens. Keep pets outside, or at least out of the bedroom, and bathe them weekly. Consider dander-free pets such as fish.
  • Mold and Mildew - Bathrooms, plants kept in bathrooms, and lack of ventilation in bathrooms may be major causes of mold and mildew. Keep shower stalls and sinks clean. Clean your nebulizer or inhaler and spacer often. Ask your health care provider before using a vaporizer or humidifier.
  • Pest Control - Pests, particularly dust mites and cockroaches, can represent significant asthma triggers.  Regular cleaning helps control their populations.
  • Fumes and Strong Odors - Fireplace smoke, perfumes, hairspray, air fresheners, household cleaners, mothballs, solvents, and paint can be severely irritating, possibly resulting in an asthma episode. If you must work around such irritants, make sure the area is well-ventilated. Turn on the exhaust fan when you cook to reduce cooking odors.
  • Cigarette and Cigar Smoke - There is no "safe" level of smoke.  We recommend eliminating smoking among all household members.  If there is a smoker in the household, smoking should be restricted to outdoor areas, and clothing that smells of smoke should be kept away from asthmatics.
See: Prevention for more information about your action plan.

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