Avoiding Triggers   Often the most effective and fastest way to bring asthma under control is to reduce your exposure to whatever is triggering the asthma. Avoidance and environmental control should be the first consideration in an overall treatment plan.   Dust seal pillows and mattresses in dust-proof enclosures remove carpets and rugs remove draperies and curtains wash sheets and pillows in very hot water and dry on a high setting reduce the amount of upholstered furniture don't sleep or lay on overstuffed furniture remove dust collecting books and knick-knacks out of the bedroom change furnace and air conditioner filters regularly vacuum and dust only when asthmatic person is away from home and don't require asthmatic to participate in such chores use a filtered vacuum cleaner remove stuffed animals after vacuuming, damp mop floors, woodwork and furniture to deduce dust reduce indoor humidity to less than 50%   Animal Dander Persons allergic to fur and feathers experience some of the most severe asthma reactions. Although the best treatment is avoidance, this is often difficult. When animal exposures are unavoidable, it is recommended that a person be pretreated with medications. Avoid close contact and wash hands after touching animals. If possible: do not have pets, or leave them outside keep pets out of the bedroom keep the bedroom door closed place dense filters over air outlets to trap airborne dander particles remove upholstered furniture and carpets from the home or isolate the pet from them. bathe pets often reduce time spent visiting in pet/trigger environments remove products made of feathers from the home including feather pillows and down clothing or comforters.   Airborne Irritants don't smoke stay away from second hand smoke use air conditioning when possible control molds in sinks and tubs close windows during peak allergy seasons use high efficiency furnace filters use an indoor air cleaner don't use room deodorizers use non allergic cleaning products have air duct systems cleaned regularly don't use aerosol sprays, disinfectants or cleaning agents avoid perfumes and other scented cosmetics wood burning stoves and cooking odors may aggravate asthma carpet stores, fabric stores, import stores and candle shops are full of intense chemical odors. Avoid these areas or pre-treat with allergy medications.   Pollens Regular use of air conditioning during warm weather is recommended because it allows windows and doors to stay closed which reduces pollen entry into the home.While you can't avoid pollens entirely, you should know: Not all pollen is equal. tree pollens cause problems in early spring grass pollens strike in late spring and early summer weed pollens will cause flare ups in late summer Seasons begin at different times across the U.S. • ragweed strikes the hardest during mid-August to late October on the East coast and in the Midwest. • Learn your area's seasonal pattern including harvest-related triggers. Weather and the time of day affect asthma symptoms. ragweed releases its pollen in the morning. A strong wind may carry it right through an open window.   Mold Mold spores often cause year-round allergic problems, even in dry climates. Outdoor molds grow on decaying vegetation and in soil. Spores are released into the air when mold growth is disturbed as with plowing or harvesting. Indoor molds are found in damp, dark areas. Efforts should be made to reduce the more avoidable exposures to these molds. Common indoor sources of mold include: damp basements areas around plumbing such as sinks, laundry areas, toilets, tubs, and showers unheated and poorly ventilated areas of the house especially closets and bedrooms. old foam rubber, especially foam pillows and foam padding under carpets damp items stored in the house such as firewood, old books, clothing, and potted plants. humidifiers and vaporizers refrigerators Avoiding molds is difficult unless the problems that favor mold growth are eliminated, such as replacing dry rot areas and sealing leaking foundations. fungicides may be helpful in cleaning mold-contaminated areas a diluted solution of bleach may be used to clean windows Zephiran (one once per gallon of water) may be applied to large surfaces such as walls. Formaldehyde crystals may be used to decontaminate small areas such as closets. Impregnon may be added to paint to discourage mold growth. It may also be added to water for house plants. discard foam pillows, mattresses, etc. Some persons who are allergic to molds may also react to foods processed with or contaminated by molds, such as mushrooms, cheeses, fermented foods and beverages, dried fruits, smoked meats, moldy breads and products with much yeast (donuts, sourdough, pizza crust).   ABOUT THIS PROGRAM | UNDERSTANDING ASTHMA MANAGING YOUR ASTHMA | CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA | FOR MORE INFORMATION | MAIN PAGE   BACK TO HEALTHWORKS © 1998 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.