Asthma 101: Common Triggers and Suggestions to Avoid It

Do you have kids with asthma? Aside from getting them the medication and health care that they need, it is also vital for you to understand the different triggers that can cause their asthma symptoms to appear or worsen. At Grace Pediatrics & Family Clinic, Inc., we have listed down some asthma triggers and suggestions to help your child avoid them:

1. Secondhand smoke. It is highly crucial for your asthmatic child to stay away from cigarette smoke. If you or someone else in your house smokes, make sure that you quit. Seek help from a professional if required. Secondhand smoke is dangerous even for healthy people and even more so for children with asthma. Make sure to teach your child to move away if someone is smoking around them. Also, try to arrange family activities in smoke-free areas.

2. Exercise. Yes, strenuous activity and exercise can trigger your child’s asthma, however, it doesn’t mean that you have to ban him or her from it. Consult with your child’s Pediatrician and ask him or her for exercise tips and advice.

3. Pet fur and dander. Do you have pets at home? Pet fur and dander can trigger your child’s asthma, however, there are steps that you can follow to keep your furry friend at home. Here are some tips: don’t let your child brush or comb your pet; give your pet a bath on a weekly basis; keep your pet out of your child’s bedroom; keep your pet’s sleeping area clean; vacuum on a daily basis. If the steps above are no longer working and your child’s reaction to fur and dander is severe, it may be time for you to find a new home for your furry pet.

4. Foods. Allergies to dairy products, nuts, or shellfish can trigger or worsen your child’s asthma. If you suspect that your child has food allergies, make sure to have your kids checked by his or her pediatrician immediately.

Knowing your children’s asthma triggers can help you take better care of them. If you are looking for a reliable Family Clinic and provider of Pediatric Care in Houston, Texas, we are here to help you. Let us help you manage your kids’ asthma more effectively today. Contact us at 713-988-6835 for more information and assistance.