Know your children asthma triggers

Pulmonology | by CMRI | Published on 09/04/2021

One of the best ways to help your little ones manage their asthma is by distancing them from various asthma triggers. While most of these are usually harmless to healthy people, those suffering from a condition like asthma, might be drastically affected by the same. In this blog, we have shed light on some common asthma triggers as listed by the best pulmonologist in Kolkata. These include:

 

· Allergens

· Irritants or pollutants

· Weather conditions

· Exercise

· Gastroesophageal reflux (GER)

 

Being a parent, it is important for you to understand that your child’s asthma may be triggered by reasons, some of which are more common during certain specific times of the year. Some children might even outgrow the problem with time, while others might need to take lifelong medication.

 

If your child’s asthma is triggered by allergens

Allergens, as the name suggests, are likely to give rise to allergies that lead to flare-ups Allergens like animal dander, cockroaches, dust mites, and molds, are quite likely to trigger asthma Allergens are one of the most common asthma triggers. They include animal dander, dust, mold, mites, etc.

 

Though it is impossible to completely get rid of all allergens at once, you can minimize their quantity  in your home by following these simple tips by the leading children’s asthma doctor:

 

· Keep your home clean and dust free.

· Wash your bedding in hot water and avoid using feather pillows

· Avoid using rugs and mats at home as dust can easily accumulate over them

· Wash your curtains very often

· Clean and sanitize your washrooms, basements, and balconies more often

· Refrain from using humidifiers

 

If your child’s asthma is triggered by environmental irritants

Environmental irritants not only affect those who have asthma but also people who do not have any such condition. Though these are not that serious generally, however the same can’t be said for kids with asthma. The irritants can swell up their airways and trigger flare-ups. Common irritants that are found at home include perfumes, paints, tobacco smoke, etc. You can easily reduce your child’s exposure to these by following these simple tips.

 

Ø Try to use unscented or non-aerosol products

Ø Avoid wood fires

Ø Restrict your little one from going into areas where painting or carpentry work is being done.

Ø Make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated.

Ø Avoid smoking around your child

Ø If possible, get an air purifier or use an air conditioner on a regular basis.

 

If your child’s asthma is triggered by extreme weather conditions

Leading experts specializing in asthma treatment in Kolkata suggest that asthma flare-ups may also be triggered by extreme weather conditions that include:

 

Ø Wind, which can stir up dust particles and pollen

Ø Rain, which can promote the release of pollens

Ø Extremely hot or cold weather

Ø Excessive humidity or dry air

 

If weather conditions are responsible for triggering your child’s asthma, it is important to stay updated with the weather forecast and take all the necessary measures like asking your child to wear a mask or cover his/her face with a scarf, limiting your child’s outdoor activities and keep your child in a well-conditioned place. You might also need to increase the dose of your child’s medication.

 

If your child’s asthma is triggered by exercise

It is pertinent to note that exercise and increased physical exertion can also trigger asthma like various allergens. This is very much likely to happen with kids whose asthma is not managed properly. However, it is important to understand that stopping your little one from indulging in games and other physical activities can trigger other health issues and instead of doing so, you should simply limit the level of activity. Make sure your child does not indulge in any rigorous physical activity and encourage him/her to only take part in the mild ones.

 

If your child’s asthma is triggered by GERD

Studies have shown that Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD can trigger the symptoms of asthma. In fact, the condition is much more common in people with asthma, as compared to the general population. The content is marked by the backward flow of food from the stomach into the esophagus. This can trigger nerve reflexes which can cause the airways to tighten so as to prevent the acids from entering your lungs. If your child’s asthma is triggered by GERD, it is important to treat the condition.