Identifying and Managing ASTHMA

TRIGGERS — One of the best ways to identify asthma triggers is to pay careful attention to the pattern of asthma symptoms. For example, if symptoms occur primarily at home, something in that environment may be involved. If symptoms flare in the spring or fall, an outdoor allergy is more likely to blame.

Using blood tests or skin tests can provide additional information about possible asthma triggers by determining if a person is sensitive (or allergic) to a particular substance.

Once asthma triggers have been identified, the person has several options:

●Avoid the trigger entirely

●Limit exposure to the trigger if it cannot be completely avoided

●If exposure to the trigger can be predicted, consult with a healthcare provider about taking an extra dose of medicine before exposure to the trigger

●Immunotherapy (allergy shots) can be helpful for allergic triggers

INDOOR ASTHMA TRIGGERS — Allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction and are major triggers in many people with asthma. Sensitivity to indoor allergens is especially common in asthmatics. The most common indoor allergens that affect asthmatics include:

●Dust mites

●Mold

●Animal danders (skin, fur, feathers, saliva)

●Cockroaches

The bedroom of the asthmatic person should be given special consideration because the greatest number of hours are typically spent there. However, to be effective, measures must be made to reduce allergens throughout the entire home.

Dust mites — Dust mites are microscopic organisms that are present in most households. They avoid light and absorb humidity from the atmosphere (ie, they do not drink). Mites may live in bedding, sofas, carpets, or any woven material if the humidity is high enough.

Measures that help limit exposure to dust mites are detailed in the table (table 1) and include the following:

●Create a physical barrier to the source of the mites by covering pillows and mattresses with plastic or another impermeable fabric cover designed for this purpose. "Hypoallergenic" unbleached or organic cotton bedding covers are intended for people who have contact sensitivities to fabric dyes and are not useful for containing dust mites.

●Decrease the population of dust mites in the home by washing bedding and pillows in warm water and detergent or drying them in an electric dryer on the hot setting once per week.

●Remove carpets from the bedroom. Minimize the number of stuffed toys in the child's bedroom and wash them weekly.

●Control humidity. Mites thrive in humid environments. Opening windows in dry climates and using air conditioning in humid ones decreases humidity in the home and reduces the number of mites. Avoid using a humidifier.

Moving to or spending more time on upper floors of buildings may help, as upper floors tend to be less humid than lower floors or basements. The household humidity should be between 30 and 50 percent, if possible. Inexpensive humidity monitors can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Mold — Mold spores can trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis in allergic patients. Mold thrives in damp environments. Areas such as air conditioning vents, water traps, refrigerator drip trays, shower stalls, leaky sinks, and damp basements are particularly vulnerable to mold growth if not cleaned regularly.

To reduce the growth of mold, it is necessary to remove existing mold and reduce humidity to prevent future growth of mold. Humidity can be reduced by removing sources of standing water and persistent dampness. Specific measures include removing house plants, fixing leaky plumbing, correcting sinks and showers that do not drain completely, and removing bathroom carpeting that is exposed to steam and moisture. Damp areas should be dehumidified to levels below 50 percent.

Indoor garbage pails should be regularly disinfected, and an electric dehumidifier should be used to remove moisture from the basement. Old books, newspapers, clothing, and bedding should not be stored in the home. Water damaged carpets should be thrown out because it is difficult or impossible to eliminate mold in this situation, even with thorough cleaning.

Mold thrives on soap film that covers tiles, sinks, and grout. Sinks, tubs, and other surfaces with visible mold growth should be cleaned at least every four weeks with dilute bleach (1 ounce [30 mL] bleach diluted in 1 quart [1 liter] of water). Other surfaces with visible mold growth should be also cleaned with a bleach solution. The use of bleach by people with asthma is discussed below. (See 'Irritants' below.)

Animal danders — Animal dander is made up of the dead skin cells or scales (like dandruff) that are constantly shed by animals. Asthma can be triggered by proteins from the "dander," saliva, and urine of common house pets, such as cats and dogs. Any breed of dog and cat is capable of being allergenic, although the levels given off by individual animals may vary to some degree. In cats, the protein that causes most people's allergies is found in the cat's saliva, skin glands, and urinary/reproductive tract. Accordingly, short-haired cats are not necessarily less allergenic than long-haired animals, and furless cats have allergens that are similar to furred cats.

Other warm-blooded animals, such as rodents, birds, and ferrets can also trigger asthma in an allergic individual. Pets without feathers or fur, such as reptiles, turtles, and fish, rarely cause allergy, although deposits of fish food that build up under the covers of fish tanks are an excellent source of food for dust mite colonies.

If a person with asthma is found to be allergic to a pet, the most effective option is to remove the pet from the home. Limiting an animal to a certain area in the house is not effective because some allergens are carried on clothing or spread in the air. Once a pet has left a home, careful cleaning of carpets, sofas, curtain, and bedding must follow. This is particularly true for cat allergens because they are "sticky" and adhere to a variety of indoor surfaces. Even after a cat has been removed from a home and it has been thoroughly cleaned, it can take months for the level of cat allergens to drop. For this reason, it may take months for the allergic person's symptoms to fully reflect the absence of the pet.

If it is not possible to remove the animal, measures can be taken to decrease exposure to the animal dander although none of these methods is as effective as removing the animal.

Cockroaches — Cockroach droppings contain allergens that have been shown to trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. Cockroaches thrive in warm environments with easily accessible food and water. Unfortunately, efforts to control cockroach populations in infested areas are often less than successful. Still, certain measures are recommended, including:

●Using multiple baited traps or poisons

●Removing garbage and food waste promptly from the home

●Washing dishes and cooking utensils immediately after use

●Removing cockroach debris quickly

●Eliminating any standing water from leaking faucets or drains

The role of air filters — Air filtering devices, including high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, other mechanical filters, and electrostatic filters, are widely advertised to reduce indoor allergens. These may be marketed as components of heating or cooling systems, as individual units for use in a room or area, or as units that are worn by individuals. These devices are expensive and few have been scientifically proven to significantly improve allergy symptoms.

Certain types of air filters (eg, ionizers) produce ozone, which is a respiratory irritant for some people. These devices have not been proven safe or effective and are not recommended (EPA: Indoor air quality).

There are several factors that interfere with how well air filters work, and these may partly explain why studies have shown mixed results:

●Most air filters probably can remove pollens and pet danders from the air because these allergens are light and do remain airborne. However, if there is a pet, carpeting, upholstered furniture, access to outside air, or some other reservoir of allergen in the vicinity, the allergen is continuously released from these items as people move around the house. There is far more allergen in these reservoirs than the air filter can remove. Therefore, allergens continuously enter the air, even as it is being filtered, and the benefit of an air filter is minimal.

●In contrast, in a room where there are no carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, access to outside air, and pets are not allowed, running an air filter probably can improve air quality.

In addition, a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filtration system and a double-thickness bag can help to reduce allergen levels. This is recommended to avoid rebreathing the debris that is captured by vacuuming. A controlled trial has reported a reduction in cat and dog (but not dust mite) allergen levels and clinical improvement in asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms in homes cleaned with vacuums equipped with HEPA filters, compared with vacuums without specialized filters [1].

CONTROLLING OTHER ASTHMA TRIGGERS — In addition to indoor allergens, other factors may be identified as asthma triggers.

Respiratory infections — Infections that cause airway inflammation can trigger asthma, including colds, influenza (flu), bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia. An asthma attack that occurs along with a respiratory infection may be more severe than one that occurs at other times.

To reduce the risk of a serious flare related to respiratory infection, a person with asthma should:

●Call a healthcare provider at the first sign of an infection.

●Get a flu shot once a year.

●Get a pneumonia vaccine (if needed based on other risk factors).

●Wash hands frequently, especially when in contact with an infected person, and avoid contact with infected people when possible.

●Use treatments prescribed for symptoms, such as nasal steroids and decongestants.

Medicines — Sensitivity to medications can also trigger asthma. In particular, aspirin, some other anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) and certain beta-blocker heart medicines may cause an attack in certain individuals. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) does not cause symptoms in most aspirin-sensitive patients.

Outdoor allergens — Asthma symptoms that worsen outdoors at certain times of year are likely to be triggered by an allergy to pollen or other plant material. Affected individuals should stay indoors as much as possible during the season when their asthma tends to flare, use air conditioning when possible, and keep windows closed. Exercising outdoors or participating in activities that require exertion should be avoided when levels of air pollution are high.

Patients should also try to avoid cutting grass, digging around plants, or participating in other outdoor activities that seem to worsen asthma symptoms.

Irritants — A variety of irritants can trigger asthma. Irritants can be found inside or outside and include:

●Cigarette smoke and ashes – A person with asthma should never smoke, smoking should not be allowed in the person's home, and second-hand smoke should be avoided whenever possible.

●Aerosol sprays and perfumes – Non-aerosol products should be used, and exposure to offending perfumes should be avoided.

●Gas stoves, fireplace smoke, and cooking odors – Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and pellet stoves and unvented gas stoves or heaters can worsen asthma symptoms. Cooking areas should be well-ventilated.

●Air pollution, car exhaust, and gas fumes – Patients should avoid unnecessary exposure to car exhaust, and outdoor exercise should be avoided when pollution levels are high. United States air quality ratings can be obtained

●Formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds – Odors from new linoleum flooring, carpeting, particleboard, wall coverings, furniture, and recent painting can worsen asthma symptoms in some people.

Chemicals — Industrial or occupational exposure to chemicals is responsible for about 15 percent of cases of asthma. If symptoms tend to flare in a workplace where chemicals are in use, the patient and healthcare provider can discuss strategies to limit exposure.

If possible, people whose asthma is triggered by strong odors should avoid the use of chlorine and bleach-based cleaning products. If these cleaners are needed to control the growth of mold in the home, ventilate the area thoroughly during and after use, and if possible, have a nonasthmatic person perform the cleaning. Other troubling odors include perfumes, air fresheners, scented room sprays and candles, and cooking oils.

Menstrual cycle — Between 20 and 40 percent of women with asthma report that their asthma symptoms worsen just before or during their menstrual period (called perimenstrual asthma). Women with hormonally-triggered asthma tend to have more severe asthma than women whose asthma is unaffected by hormonal changes. Perimenstrual asthma is thought to be triggered by changes in hormone levels, but exactly how it happens is unclear.

The best way to treat menstrual-associated asthma flares is not known. Some experts recommend the following:

●Use a rescue inhaler when necessary and avoid other potential asthma triggers.

●Use of a leukotriene modifier (montelukast/Singulair, zafirlukast/Accolate, or zileuton/Zyflo) may help to prevent asthma flares related to hormonal changes.

●Women with asthma who are sensitive to anti-inflammatory medications (eg, ibuprofen/Advil/Motrin, naproxen/Aleve, aspirin) should not take these medications for menstrual cramps.

Physical activity — Although exercise can trigger asthma in certain people, it should not be avoided. Exercise strengthens the cardiovascular system and may decrease sensitivity to asthma triggers. To minimize the effects of this trigger, asthmatics should:

●Take one or two puffs from an albuterol inhaler five minutes before beginning exercise.

●Start any new exercise regime slowly, gradually building strength and endurance.

●Warm up gradually at the beginning of each exercise session.

●Take all medications on schedule.

●Avoid exercising outdoors in extremely cold weather and cover the mouth and nose with a scarf to help warm the inspired air when temperatures are low.

A detailed review of managing exercise-induced asthma is available separately.

Climate — Some triggers can be affected by climate changes. For instance, in areas with ozone problems, hot, sunny days can mean increased response to ozone. Caution is advised under these circumstances. In addition, patients should avoid exposure to increased mold growth from damp indoor environment, which may be aggravated by excess rain fall [2].

Food additives — Sulfites are added to foods to prevent spoiling and discoloration. Foods containing sulfites (potatoes, shrimp, dried fruit, beer, wine, vinegar) may occasionally trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. If sulfite sensitivity has been identified, the patient should be sure to read food labels to make sure sulfites are not present.

IDENTIFYING AND MANAGING ASTHMA TRIGGERS — One of the best ways to identify asthma triggers is to pay careful attention to the pattern of asthma symptoms. For example, if symptoms occur primarily at home, something in that environment may be involved. If symptoms flare in the spring or fall, an outdoor allergy is more likely to blame.