KIDS & ASTHMA - St.Joseph's Hospital

KIDS & ASTHMA• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •What can trigger your child’sasthma?Asthma is the mostcommon chronicdisease of childhood.It affects almost DUST 5million Americanchildren.It is the #1 causeof hospitalizationamong children.It is the #1 causeof missed days ofschool by childrenand workdays missedby parents.Center For Disease Control2001SECOND HAND SMOKEAsthma can be triggered by the smoke from the burningend of a cigarette, pipe, cigar and smoke breathed outby a smoker.DUSTMITESDust mites are too small to be seen but they are foundin every home and are common triggers of asthma.Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets,fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, andstuffed toys.PESTSDroppings or body parts of pests such as cockroachesor rodents can be asthma triggers.MOLDSMolds grow on damp materials in the home and canbecome triggers of asthma.ANIMALSYour pet’s skin flakes, urine and saliva can be asthmatriggers.ODORS & SPRAYSStrong odors and fumes in a room can make your child’sasthma worse.For more information about Asthma Education and other programs offered throughSt. Joseph’s Children’s Advocacy Center please call(813) 231-9497.5502 North Nebraska Avenue, Suite 101, Tampa, Florida 33604Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyTake a stand for children. We are!

Things you can do to remove triggers from your home.SECOND HAND SMOKEThe smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, cigar breathed out by a smoker cantrigger asthma.q Consider quitting smokingq Do not allow smoking in your home or car. If you smoke, smoke outside.DUST MITESDust mites are too small to be seen but they are found in every home and are commontriggers of asthma. Dust mites live in mattresses, pillows, carpets, fabric-coveredfurniture, bedcovers, clothes, and stuffed toys.q Vacuum weekly- Make sure children are not home when vacuumingq Damp mop uncarpeted floors and dust furniture weeklyq Wash bedding and stuffed toys in hot water every 1-2 weeksq Cover mattresses and pillows in dust proof zippered coversq Reduce clutter and remove stuffed toys, especially from child’s bedroomq Replace heating system filters regularlyq Remove carpet if possiblePESTSDroppings or body parts of pests such as cockroach or rodents can be asthma triggers.q Do not leave food or garbage outq Instead of roach sprays/bombs, use poison baits placed away from children (i.e.boric acid placed behind refrigerator)q Fix leaky plumbing/roof or other sources of water that can attract pests.MOLDSMolds grow on damp materials in the home and can become triggers of asthma.q Use an exhaust fan or open windows when showering or cookingq Clean mold off hard surfaces with a mixture of water and bleachq Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water or moistureq Remove houseplantsANIMALSYour pet’s skin flakes, urine, and saliva can be asthma triggers.q Consider not having petsq Keep pets out of your child’s bedroomq Wash your and your child’s hands after petting animalsODORS & SPRAYSStrong odors and fumes in a room can make your child’s asthma worse.q Avoid using strongly scented products such as perfume and home deodorizersq Do not use stove for heatingq When using cleaning products, keep children away