Spring asthma survival guide: How to avoid flare-ups

Did you know there are factors in your environment that can cause your asthma to flare up? Understanding what triggers your symptoms can help you prevent those flare-ups. Learn how to limit these common asthma triggers.

Smoke

Any type of smoke can bother your lungs and trigger asthma flare-ups. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help quitting as soon as possible. Avoid secondhand smoke as well.

Dust mites

These are the most common year-round allergens, says Myron Zitt, M.D., past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). Cockroaches and other bugs can be triggers, too. Keep your home as clean as possible.

Pet dander

Keep pets off furniture and out of bedrooms. Have a professional groomer bathe your dog monthly, and keep them on a regular grooming schedule throughout allergy season. Brushing daily or weekly at home can also help get rid of pet dander and dead skin cells.

Mold

When it’s too damp in your house, mold can grow. Use a humidity monitor to keep your house within the recommended 30 to 40 percent humidity level.

Strong smells

Chemicals in perfumes, soaps, and household cleaners can be irritating. Use nontoxic, unscented cleaners, or natural alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar.

Pollen

During allergy season, check the allergen counts and Air Quality Index levels in your area each day before heading outside. If they’re high, consider keeping your windows closed and limiting your time outdoors.

Another option: Wear a mask while gardening or doing yard work. The ACAAI recommends a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health–approved N95 particulate filtering mask to best protect yourself. You can find a list of suppliers on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. When you’re inside, consider using an air conditioner or HEPA air filter.

Viral infections

Even minor respiratory illnesses like colds can cause problems for people with asthma. Avoid viral infections by washing your hands frequently, keeping your distance from others, and getting an annual flu shot.

Asthma education classes

If you want to learn more about your asthma and how to manage it, consider attending an asthma education class. These classes can help you understand what triggers your asthma, how to reduce flare-ups, and how to use your medications correctly. Not everyone with asthma knows their triggers, so education and allergy testing can be very helpful. 

Your health care provider, asthma specialist, or an Independence Blue Cross Registered Nurse health coach can talk with you about asthma education and support options. The American Lung Association also offers free asthma education classes.

Asthma education classes can help you learn about:

• Common asthma triggers and how to identify your own triggers (including allergy testing)
• How to properly clean your home to reduce triggers like dust mites, mold, and pet dander
• Ways to minimize allergens, such as keeping pets out of sleeping areas
• Control medications: what they do and why they are important
• Rescue medications: when and how to use them
• How to use tools like peak flow meters
• When and how to use a portable nebulizer, especially during colds, flu, or other respiratory illnesses

With a little knowledge and preparation, you can set yourself up to enjoy the springtime with fewer asthma symptoms.