Asthma and Allergy Awareness Program
Reminder Series
Reminder One: Double Trouble: Asthma and Allergies
When someone has asthma, exposure to certain things can cause airways to narrow or become blocked.
This inability to breathe easily can result in coughing, wheezing, a tightening in the chest or increased
shortness of breath. Asthma can cause just one or several of these symptoms and can be mild or severe.
With allergies, the body’s immune system overreacts when something is eaten, breathed into the lungs or
touched. This results in nasal congestion, itchy eyes or a skin reaction. More severe allergies can also
cause asthma-like symptoms.
Unfortunately, asthma and allergies often occur together. For people with both asthma and allergies, the
same substances often cause trouble. For many people, common triggers are pollen, pet dander and
dust mites.
Asthma and allergies affect both children and adults and can mean missed work or school days, trips to
the hospital and other serious problems. There are no cures for asthma or allergies but both can be
managed. If you have symptoms of allergies or asthma, talk with your doctor.
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic,
Reminder Two: Understanding Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers
Everyday things that cause little or no problem for others can cause a reaction in people with asthma and
allergies. These things that make your asthma or allergies worse are called triggers. Although they are
different for each person, there are some common sources of trouble. Knowing what your triggers are
and then working to avoid them can help you feel better.
Common triggers for both asthma and allergies include:
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Pollens
Indoor and outdoor molds
Animal dander
Dust mites
Cockroaches
Tobacco smoke
Air pollution
Cold, dry air
Stress
Strong odors and sprays
For some people, exercise or eating certain foods, such as eggs or shellfish may trigger asthma. Others
might be allergic to a food additive or preservative or even a medication.
Work with your doctor to determine what triggers your or your child's symptoms. Then avoid contact with
them. Your doctor may also recommend medications and will talk to you about how and when to use
them.
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic,
Reminder three: Avoiding Common Asthma and Allergy Triggers
Once you’ve identified the things that can make your asthma or allergies worse, it is important to take
steps to reduce your exposure to these triggers.
Pollens and Molds (outdoors)
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Stay indoors during the afternoon, when the pollen count is high.
Use air-conditioning and keep windows closed during seasons when pollen and mold are highest.
Avoid gardening and other sources of mold and pollens such as mowing lawns, digging, wet leaves, mulch, and
garden debris.
Indoor Molds
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Keep bathrooms, kitchens and basements clean and dry. Use dehumidifiers if needed.
Do not use humidifiers.
House Dust Mites
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Cover your mattress and pillows in an airtight cover.
Wash your sheets and blankets, clothes, and children's stuffed toys once a week in hot (>130 degrees
Fahrenheit) water.
Pets/Animals
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Choose pets without fur or feathers such as fish.
If you must have a pet with fur or feathers, keep the pet out of your bedroom at all times.
Avoid products made with feathers, for example, pillows and comforters.
Consider using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEAP (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
Cockroaches
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Use insect sprays, but have someone else spray and air out the home for a few hours after spraying.
Use roach traps.
Keep food sealed and kitchen clean
Seal all cracks leading into the house.
Fix any leaky or sweating pipes.
Tobacco and Wood Smoke
 Do not smoke and don’t allow smoking in your home, even if you are not there.
 Avoid using a wood-burning stove.
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Avoid using kerosene heaters.
Strong odors and sprays
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Do not stay in your home when it is being painted. Allow enough time for the paint to dry and
smell to leave.
Avoid perfume and perfumed cosmetics
Do not use room deodorizers.
Use non-perfumed household cleaning products whenever possible.
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic,
Reminder Four: You Can Control Allergies and Asthma
With your doctor’s help, you can control your allergies and asthma. But these health conditions don’t go
away completely. That’s why you need to continue to take care even when you are feeling fine.
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Work with your doctor to make a treatment plan and learn what to do.
Treat both allergies and asthma to feel your best.
Stay away from the things that cause an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms.
Take medications as your doctor says you should, even when you are feeling fine.
Monitor your symptoms so you can respond to signs of problems.
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic,
Reminder Five: Children and Asthma
Nine million children in the United States have asthma. Symptoms can include a reoccurring cough,
wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. If you suspect your child has asthma, talk with your
doctor. If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, here are some ways to help manage the condition:
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Learn all you can about how asthma affects your child.
Work with your child’s doctor to develop an asthma action plan so you and your child know what
to do in a variety of situations.
Learn about your child’s triggers and how to avoid them.
Make needed changes in your home to remove triggers
Understand when and how your child’s medications should be used.
Provide written information about your child’s condition, medications and action plan to school
personnel and all other caregivers.
Your doctor will want to learn how often episodes occur and how bad they are. It will also be helpful to
share information about your family history and your home environment. For example, do you have
asthma or does anyone smoke in your home? While your child’s asthma can’t be cured, it can often be
controlled allowing participation in many activities.
Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology