4 Common Asthma Irritants to Avoid

Even if your asthma is well controlled with medication, irritants — smoke, air pollution, strong odors and cold air — can worsen your asthma symptoms. In addition, certain allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander and mold, may also cause airway inflammation and may trigger an asthma attack.

Although it’s not possible to completely eliminate irritants and allergens from the environment, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to them.

Here’s a look at four common asthma irritants.

1. Smoke.

Any form of tobacco smoke can exacerbate asthma. Ask others not to smoke around you, and don’t allow anyone to smoke in your home, even with the windows open. If you’re a smoker, talk to your doctor about ways to quit. In addition, avoid using wood-burning stoves, kerosene heaters and fireplaces.

2. Air pollution.

In the upper atmosphere, ozone (a type of oxygen) filters out some of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, excessive ozone can harm the lungs when it is in the air we breathe. Ground level ozone is mostly a problem in large urban and suburban centers, where pollution levels from cars and industrial plants are high. Sunlight and heat play a role in ozone formation, so levels tend to be highest in the hotter months.

People with asthma or other chronic lung diseases may find that their symptoms worsen on days when ozone levels are high. If ozone levels are expected to exceed 100 for the day, or an ozone alert is declared, avoid spending long periods outdoors and severely limit any outdoor physical exertion.

3. Strong odors.

Anything with a powerful scent can exacerbate your asthma. Limit your exposure to products such as perfume, talcum powder and hair spray. And choose paints labeled as having low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

4. Cold air.

Exposure of the lungs to very cold air can trigger the release of histamine, which can cause wheezing in people with asthma. Always inhale through your nose, and cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days to warm the air before it enters your lungs.

Enjoy asthma free life.