HERC

symptoms & Triggers

Understanding Asthma

  • 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.

Early Warning Signs

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

During an Asthma Flare-Up:

  • 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.

What Happens in the Lungs

  • Air travels in & out of the lungs through tubes called airways.
  • When a person has asthma, the airways are sensitive to things like dust, smoke, & 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, & their lining swells & produces excess mucus.
  • Then the airways get blocked, & the person has a hard time getting air in & out.
  • This is called a flare-up or attack.

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
  • If you notice any of these signs, refer to your action plan.
  • See: Prevention for information about the action plan

There can be asthma triggers in the home.

Once problem areas are found, you can help control these triggers, especially in the bedrooms where we spend our sleeping hours.

Click FOR WHAT YOU CAN DO IN YOUR HOME >>>

Dust

Heavy drapes, upholstered furniture, thick rugs, & other decorative items are major dust collectors. Mattresses can be a resting place for dust mites. Put dustproof cases on pillows, mattresses, & box springs. Dust & vacuum often. Use a damp cloth or mop, not a broom. Wash stuffed animals regularly & don't sleep with them.

Heating System

Change filters once a year.  Vents may require cleaning to reduce the spread of dust & 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 & bedding in a dryer, not outside on a clothesline.

Mold & Mildew

Bathrooms, plants kept in bathrooms, & lack of ventilation in bathrooms may be major causes of mold & mildew. Keep shower stalls & sinks clean. Clean your nebulizer or inhaler & spacer often.

Pets

Animal dander & saliva are potent allergens. Keep pets outside, or at least out of the bedroom, & bathe them weekly. Consider dander-free pets such as fish.

Pest Control

Pests, particularly dust mites & cockroaches, can represent significant asthma triggers.  Regular cleaning helps control their populations.

Fumes & Strong Odors

Fireplace smoke, perfumes, hairspray, air fresheners, household cleaners, mothballs, solvents, & 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 & 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, & clothing that smells of smoke should be kept away from asthmatics.