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In the United States, about 15 million people of all age, race and gender have asthma. Asthma can occur at any age but is more common in children than adults. Nearly 1 in 13 school-age children has asthma, and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children than in any other group. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to a chronic illness.
Asthma episodes can be initiated by exposure to indoor triggers; therefore, an important step in managing asthma is to reduce exposures to your asthma triggers. You may not be affected by all of the triggers listed below, although you may contact us to help you determine which triggers may affect your asthma.
Second Hand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is also known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke. Secondhand smoke includes both exhaled mainstream smoke from smokers and side stream smoke from the end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including over 40 that are linked to cancer. Many of the compounds in tobacco smoke are released at higher rates in side stream smoke than in mainstream smoke.
Secondhand smoke may trigger asthma episodes and make asthma symptoms more severe in children who already have asthma. Moreover, secondhand smoke is a risk factor for new cases of asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.
Molds
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. There are over 8,000 varieties of mold and they all need three primary elements to reproduce indoors; a nutrient source (wood, paper, cloth, or other organic materials), a moisture source (leaky pipes, high humidity, damp basements, etc.) and ideal temperatures (typically between 60-80 degrees F). With these three elements present, molds reproduce by forming spore sacks or pods that contain millions of tiny spores.
When those spore sacks reach maturity or are disturbed, they will release those spores, which can become airborne, enter a indoor ventilation system and be distributed throughout the indoor environment.
These tiny microscopic spores can also enter your air passages, which can trigger asthma attacks to those that are susceptible.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny organisms you cannot see. Every home has dust mites. They feed on skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bed covers, clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric or other fabric-covered items. Body parts and feces of dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergic reaction to dust mites. Exposure to dust mite allergen can cause asthma in susceptible children.
Pets
Your pet’s dead skin flakes, urine, feces, saliva and hair can trigger asthma. Dogs, cats, rodents (including hamsters and guinea pigs) and other mammals all can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergic reaction to animal dander.
Often people sensitive to animal allergens are advised to wash their pets regularly. Recent research indicates that washing pets may only provide temporary reductions in allergen levels. There is no evidence that this short-term reduction is effective in reducing symptoms and it has been suggested that during the washing of the animal the sensitive individual may be initially exposed to higher levels of allergen.
If you are concerned that the above information may apply to you, a family member or a friend we suggest you conduct some additional research and seek the advice, guidance and support of an experienced health care professional. In many cases it will be wise to seek the advice of a TEAM of health care professionals that can support you through the entire process of diagnoses and successful treatment.
In conclusion, the more you know and understand about potential illnesses and their triggers affecting you and your family the more effective you and your health team will be in diagnosing and treating these challenges.
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Disclaimer
The information presented in this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition. It is not intended to substitute for the advice, treatment and/or diagnosis of a qualified licensed health professional. Coaches of the Lifestyle Center may not make any medical diagnoses, claims and/or substitute for a health care provider.
The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In this educational endeavor we have made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information presented, but make no claim that it comprehensively addresses all possible situations. This site is intended as an educational resource for individuals and families seeking information that may help them solve difficult health issues. It is not, however, a substitute for the professional judgment of a licensed health professional. The information must be interpreted in light of specific data regarding the patient and in conjunction with other sources of authority.
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