Asthma Triggers

We continue to learn more about asthma.

Asthma attacks are set off by things around us called “triggers.”

Common triggers include:

• Smoke from cigarettes, fire, vaping or fires
• Pollen, pets, mold
• Cold air
• Viruses, colds, sickness

Asthma Trigger Facts

Indoor triggers

• Secondhand and thirdhand smoking have a strong negative effect on a child with asthma.
• Vaping is as harmful as smoking for a child with asthma.
• There are no truly hypoallergenic “furry” pets.

Outdoor triggers

• Air pollution Airnow.gov can give you a good idea of when air quality might not be good, and what actions to take.
• Cold air is a common trigger for asthma. On cold days, children should wear a muffler or scarf around their nose on the way to school.
• Exercise is good for children so make sure that if they need pre treatment before exercise it is available.