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Symptoms of Asthma

What are allergens and triggers in asthma?

  •  Allergens and triggers are substances that can cause the airways in children with asthma to narrow and become inflamed. This reaction leads to worsening symptoms and can sometimes provoke an asthma attack. Allergens trigger an allergic reaction, while triggers can worsen asthma symptoms through non-allergic mechanisms.

  • Each child may react differently to allergens and triggers, and often, multiple factors contribute to their symptoms. Allergens and triggers can be found both indoors and outdoors.

Common Indoor Allergens:

  • House Dust Mites (HDM):
    • The most common asthma allergen globally.
    • These microscopic creatures thrive in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture.
  • Animal Dander:
    • Shed skin flakes from pets like dogs and cats.
    • Similar to human dandruff but harder to detect.
  • Mold Spores:
    • Found in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Pollen:
    • Can enter homes from the outdoors, especially during certain seasons.
  • Cockroach Droppings:
    • A common allergen in many urban homes.

Common Outdoor Allergens:

  • Pollen:
    • Derived from grass, trees, and weeds.
    • Pollen-related asthma is often seasonal and varies geographically.
  • Outdoor Mold:
    • Found in soil, compost, or decaying leaves.

Common Asthma Triggers:

  • Tobacco Smoke:
    • Includes cigarette, bidi, and hookah smoke.
    • Secondhand smoke is a significant issue in urban households.
  • Biomass Fuel:
    • Used for cooking in rural areas, particularly in traditional stoves (chulas).
    • Commonly affects females who spend more time indoors.
  • Indoor Irritants:
    • Mosquito coils, incense sticks (agarbatti, dhoop), perfumes, and deodorants.
  • Household Chemicals:
    • Cleaning agents, paints, and sprays can act as triggers.
  • Air Pollution:
    • Outdoor pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a major environmental trigger in many parts of India.

Managing Allergens and Triggers:

  • To control asthma, it is essential to:

    • Identify and monitor the specific allergens and triggers that affect your child.
    • Reduce or eliminate exposure to these triggers whenever possible.

    Taking these steps can significantly help in managing asthma symptoms and preventing attacks!