Avoiding asthma triggers
To help minimize your child's asthma symptoms, it's important to understand what your child's asthma triggers are in the first place. While each child's triggers may be different, there are some common ones you and your child should be aware of.

Monitor medicines.
In some cases aspirin, cold medicines, nonsteroidal medicines (e.g., ibuprofen and naproxen), and even some types of eye drops may act as asthma triggers and cause asthma to flare up. So talk to the doctor about the medications your child is taking.

Care for colds and infections.
Your child's doctor is a good resource for dealing with your child's sniffles. The doctor may even recommend a flu shot. To keep your child healthy, encourage him or her to eat right, stay active, and avoid others with colds.

Avoid foods that are asthma triggers.
If your child's asthma seems to act up after eating certain foods, like shrimp, dried fruit, or processed potatoes, consider them asthma triggers and try eliminating them from the menu.

Avoid pollen or outdoor mold.
During allergy season, consider having your child stay inside midday and afternoon, when pollen counts are high. Close the doors and windows to keep out airborne pollens and molds that may act as asthma triggers.

Remove indoor mold.
Fix leaky faucets and pipes as they can cause mold, which can act as an asthma trigger. Use bleach to clean any mold lingering on shower curtains and surfaces. Added moisture encourages mold to grow, so try using a dehumidifier.

Reduce smoke, strong odors, and sprays.
Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, or even a stove may act as a trigger irritating your child's asthma symptoms. So can perfumes, paints, hair spray, and powders. What's more, these scents and odors may often linger in your house. Try to have your child avoid these asthma triggers as much as possible.

Turn on the air conditioning.
If airborne pollens and molds trigger your child's asthma, air conditioning can help relieve these asthma triggers. However, air conditioning can cause temperatures to change abruptly, which in turn can trigger an asthma attack. Be sure to monitor the air conditioning carefully.

Encourage your child to take it easy and pace himself during activities.
It's a good idea to teach your child to warm up before strenuous activities and then cool down afterwards, to help avoid any asthma flare-ups. And be sure that your child paces himself or herself, as overexertion is a common asthma trigger. If your child can't carry on a conversation, the activity level may be too much. And if asthma symptoms are acting up, explain that it's ok to take a break. Of course, it's still important to talk to your child's doctor before starting an exercise program.

Take cover in cold weather.
Bundle up your child on cold or windy days to avoid an asthma flare-up. Pay particular attention to covering up his or her nose and mouth.

Control pet dander.
Your child's furry friend may act as an asthma trigger. Pet dander can even spread throughout your home. So keep pets away from your child's bedroom, furniture covered in fabric, carpets, and even stuffed toys.

Eliminate mites and cockroaches.
Keep your home as clean and dust free as possible since dust often acts as an asthma trigger. To get rid of mites, cover mattresses and box springs with dust-proof covers and wash all bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) once a week. Replace pillows at least once every five years. To avoid roaches, use traps and avoid leaving food out.

Use man-made fibers, not feathers.
While feather and down pillows, quilts, and cushions may seem comfy, they may act as asthma triggers. Instead, buy ones filled with man-made fibers. Also, consider replacing curtains with blinds, and carpets with wood floors.

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