1. Healthy Home Solutions Lesson 8: Asthma and Allergies
Healthy Homes Overview
April 2014
Healthy Home Solutions Lesson 8: Asthma and Allergies
Introduce yourself. Explain that this presentation will include interactive activities and that you are open to receive questions during the presentation. Although the presentation focuses on children, much of the information can be used for any age group. Ask participants if they have ever had asthma or know anyone who has.
Notes to educator: This presentation can function as a teaching guide for the asthma and allergies chapter of the book: Help Yourself to a Healthy Home. Accompanying this presentation is the Lesson Guide on Asthma and Allergies. Try to provide every participant with a copy of the book.
<presenter name here>

2. Knowledge: Describe symptoms and causes of asthma; recognize medical interventions for asthma AND environmental control of asthma triggers
Comprehension: Identify asthma/allergy triggers in the home environment
Application: List examples of low-cost action steps to reduce asthma triggers; identify resources for more help and information
Learning objectives
Today’s learning objectives include:
Knowledge: Describe symptoms and causes of asthma; recognize medical interventions for asthma AND environmental control of asthma triggers. We want to be able to understand the disease of asthma (symptoms) and that it can be controlled BOTH by medications AND by controlling environmental triggers.
Comprehension: Identify asthma/allergy triggers in the home environment. There are easy and inexpensive things we can do to limit our exposures to these triggers. We will discuss several low-cost action steps to improve the environment inside our homes.
Application: List examples of low-cost action steps to reduce asthma triggers; identify resources for more help and information

3. “An estimated 39. 5 million people (12. 9%), including 10
“An estimated 39.5 million people (12.9%), including million (14.0%) children in the Unites States had been diagnosed with asthma in their lifetimes.
The estimated total cost of asthma to society, including medical expenses ($50.1 billion per year), loss of productivity resulting from missed school or work days ($3.8 billion per year), and premature death ($2.1 billion per year), was $56 billion (2009 dollars) in 2007.
During 2001–2011, the number of persons with asthma in the United States increased by 28%.
Why do we care?
Source:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Asthma facts: CDC’s National Asthma Control Program Grantees. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available via
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Asthma facts: CDC’s National Asthma Control Program Grantees. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

4. Why do we care? Many people spend 90% of their time indoors
Indoor air may contain pollutants and asthma triggers
Many common asthma triggers are found indoors
Why do we care?
Why do we care?
Indoor air pollution
Many people spend 90% of their time indoors
Indoor air may contain pollutants and asthma triggers
Many common asthma triggers are found indoors 4

5. Resource: Help yourself to a healthy home
This is the cover of a great resource called “Help yourself to a healthy home”
The book was published by the US Dep’t of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
This is one of the most useful, comprehensive resources of its kind
This booklet covers key topics important to healthy housing
It’s available in several languages:
English
English for Native American audiences
Spanish
Hmong
Vietnamese
Bosnian
Arabic
The Help Yourself to a Healthy Home book is available on the Healthy Homes Partnership Web site for purchase or free download 5

6. Seven principles of healthy homes
Keep It:
Dry
Clean
Safe
Well-ventilated
Pest-free
Contaminant-free
Well-maintained
Seven principles of healthy homes
Seven principles of healthy homes
These 7 principles bring together the Help Yourself to a Healthy Home book by using an overall approach to keeping a healthy home.
Keep it dry: Prevent water from entering your home through leaks in roofing systems, rain water from entering the home due to poor drainage, and check your interior plumbing for any leaking.
Keep it clean: Control the source of dust and contaminants, creating smooth and cleanable surfaces, reducing clutter, and using effective wet-cleaning methods.
Keep it safe: Store poisons out of the reach of children and properly label. Secure loose rugs and keep children’s play areas free from hard or sharp surfaces. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep fire extinguishers on hand.
Keep it well-ventilated: Ventilate bathrooms and kitchens and use whole house ventilation for supplying fresh air to reduce the concentration of contaminants in the home.
Keep it pest-free: All pests look for food, water and shelter. Seal cracks and openings throughout the home; store food in pest-resistant containers. If needed, use sticky-traps and baits in closed containers, along with least toxic pesticides such as boric acid powder.
Keep it contaminant-free: Reduce lead-related hazards in pre-1978 homes by fixing deteriorated paint, and keeping floors and window areas clean using a wet-cleaning approach.
Keep it well-maintained: Inspect, clean and repair your home routinely. Take care of minor repairs and problems before they become large repairs and problems.
Source: 6

7. What is asthma? Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways
It is not the same as allergies, but allergies MAY cause asthma
Not contagious
It is treatable, but not yet curable
Can be controlled
Can be life-threatening!
What is asthma?
What is asthma?
Chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. It is a chronic disease. Chronic means long-term or having many episodes.
It is not the same as allergies, but allergies MAY cause asthma
Not contagious
It is treatable, but not yet curable
Can be controlled through a combination of proper asthma medications and controlling things that trigger asthma.
Can be life-threatening!
Note to educator:
Emphasize that we are not physicians or pharmacists and that our role is in helping consumers to control asthma by using simple, low-cost action steps that they can do themselves. 7

8. Who suffers from asthma?
Children
Low-income, urban residents
Some minorities
Allergic individuals
People with hereditary disposition for asthma (genetics)
Who suffers from asthma?
Who suffers from asthma?
Children
Children may be at greater risk to environmental pollutants. This is because children are still growing and developing, especially during the first 6 years of life when their brains and nervous systems are still developing.
Also, for their size (they are much smaller than adults and still developing), children eat more food, drink more water, and breathe more air than do adults. If something is an allergy or asthma trigger it will affect them more. They get a bigger dose than adults would. Remember—they take many more breaths per minute than an adult.
Think about a young child who is crawling or just learning to walk. They spend a lot of time on the floor and putting their hands and many other things in their mouths (children are naturally curious and this is the way they explore!). Things like dust that falls to the floor, bugs, smoke particles on furniture and clothing, pet dander that has collected on the floor, etc.
Low-income, urban residents
Some minorities
Allergic individuals
People with hereditary disposition for asthma (genetics) 8

9. What happens during an asthma attack?
Airways narrow, caused by:
Tightening of the muscles that surround the airways
Swelling of the inner lining
Increase in mucous production
What happens during an asthma attack?
What happens during an asthma attack?
Airways (airways are the passages that carry air to the lungs) narrow, caused by:
Tightening of the muscles that surround the airways
Swelling of the inner lining
Increase in mucous production
The narrowed airway is responsible for the difficulty in breathing, with the familiar "wheeze”
Asthma breathing problems usually happen in "episodes,” or attacks
Demonstration tool:
If available, show models of airways

10. What happens during an asthma attack?
YouTube video: Asthma symptoms c
What happens during an asthma attack?
What happens during an asthma attack?
YouTube video of an Auburn University Pharmacy professor demonstrating a model of airways—both normal and those of an asthmatic individual
The professor discusses what happens during an asthma flare-up
Length: Approximately 4 minutes

11. What does an asthma attack feel like?
Jog in place for about 30 seconds
Place a straw in your mouth and breathe only through the straw by pinching your nose closed
How do you feel?
What does an asthma attack feel like?
What does an asthma attack feel like?
NOTE: If you have asthma or breathing problems, do not participate in this exercise.
Demonstration activity:
Pass out small straws to each participant (recommend using the small coffee stirrer straws). Have participants do the following:
Jog/march briskly in place for approximately 30 seconds.
Place a straw in their mouth and breathe only through the straw by pinching their nose closed.
How do you feel? The sensation of having a hard time getting enough breath is the feeling asthma sufferers have.

12. Warning signs of asthma
Coughing (especially when it is not a cold)
Wheezing (a squeaking sound when breathing)
Fast breathing
Poor skin color
Shortness of breath
Hunched over posture
Restless during sleep
Vomiting
Warning signs of asthma
Warning signs of asthma:
Coughing (especially when it is not a cold)
Wheezing (a squeaking sound when breathing)
Fast breathing
Poor skin color
Shortness of breath
Hunched over posture
Restless during sleep
Vomiting

13. Warning signs of asthma
Strained breathing
Prominent neck muscles
Out of breath after physical activity
IMPORTANT: These symptoms do not necessarily indicate asthma
Warning signs of asthma
Warning signs of asthma:
Strained breathing
Prominent neck muscles
Out of breath after physical activity
IMPORTANT: These symptoms do not necessarily indicate asthma 13

14. Asthma can be controlled in two key ways
Medication
Reduce triggers
Asthma can be controlled in two key ways
There are excellent medicines available now that can control asthma; some must be taken on a daily basis
Environmental “triggers” of asthma can be controlled to reduce asthma symptoms (which are different for everyone)
Asthma can be controlled in two key ways
Medication
There are excellent medicines available now that can control asthma; some must be taken on a daily basis
Reduce triggers
Environmental “triggers” of asthma can be controlled to reduce asthma symptoms (which are different for everyone)
Note to educator:
Emphasize that asthma can be controlled but not cured

15. Create an asthma action plan
What can you do to manage asthma?
Create a written Asthma Action Plan that includes:
Medication
Identification and avoiding of asthma “triggers”
Peak flow monitoring (over age 5)
Emergency plan
Let’s look at the plan featured on the slide.
Note that each one contains 3 zones: green (doing well), yellow (getting worse), and red (medical alert).
There is a list for type and dosage of medications on the form and a physician/emergency contact number.
Note to educator
Links to online asthma action plans are available in the lesson guide. Distribute and discuss one of the plans listed. 15

16. If a child has an asthma attack
Reassure the child with a calming manner
Review Action Plan
Use medication if necessary and available
Identify what triggered the symptoms and remove child from triggers
Inform parents/emergency contact if severe
Call 911 in emergency
If a child has an asthma attack
If a child has an asthma attack
Reassure the child with a calming manner
Review Action Plan
Use medication if necessary and available
Identify what triggered the symptoms and remove child from triggers
Inform parents/emergency contact if severe
Call 911 in emergency

17. Two main types of medications
Controller or “everyday” medications
Rescue or “quick-relief” medications
Two main types of medications
These control inflammation in the lungs on an everyday basis
Intal, Singulair
Pulmocort, Aerobid
Azmacort, Serevent
These help to control broncospasms; release “squeezing” of the airways:
Albuterol, Serevent
Xopenex, Ventolin
Two main types of medications
There are 2 kinds of medications: controller (everyday) and quick-relief (used during asthma flare-ups).
Controller or “everyday” medications
These control inflammation in the lungs on an everyday basis –they are taken daily
Intal, Singulair
Pulmocort, Aerobid
Azmacort, Serevent
Rescue or “quick-relief” medications
These help to control bronchospasms; release “squeezing” of the airways:
Albuterol, Serevent
Xopenex, Ventolin

18. Asthma medicines can be given in different forms
Metered-dose inhalers
Inhalers can be used with “spacers” (these are especially useful with young children)
Nebulizers
Pills
Asthma medicines can be given in different forms
Asthma medicines can be given in different forms
Metered-dose inhalers
Inhalers can be used with “spacers” (these are especially useful with young children)
Nebulizers
Pills
Demonstration:
Show how an inhaler works (if available)

19. Inhalers attached to spacers
Spacers are particularly useful for children who may have trouble coordinating taking a breath from an inhaler and getting a full dose of medicine into their lungs
The spacers have a 1-way valve that holds the medicine from the inhaler inside the chamber which is then breathed into the lungs
Demonstration:
Show a inhaler with a spacer, if available

20. A portable device that can help measure air flow in and out of the lungs
May not be useful for children under the age of 5
Can be a good indicator of air flow in and out of the lungs in those over age 5
Peak flow meters
Peak flow meters
A portable device that can help measure air flow in and out of the lungs
May not be useful for children under the age of 5
Can be a good indicator of air flow in and out of the lungs in those over age 5
Demonstration:
Show a peak flow meter, if available

21. Types of inhalers (YouTube videos)
Types of Asthma Medications
Quick Relief Medicines
Types of inhalers (YouTube videos)
tch?v=AqBTKE_PStY
tch?feature=player_embedd ed&v=NUob1sfL3Ig
Types of inhalers: YouTube videos
Types of asthma medications
Video shows Auburn University pharmacists discussing different types of asthma medications and proper ways to use them
It is extremely important to use asthma inhalers correctly to ensure that the adequate dose gets into the lungs.
Approximately 7 minutes.
Quick relief medications
Video from the American Lung Association focuses on quick relief medicines
30 seconds
Note to educator:
Please skip this video if you are not concentrating on educating your audience on use of medicines.

22. When emergency treatment is needed for asthma
Wheezing or coughing that does not get better after giving “quick-relief” medicines
Peak flow is less than 80% of best
Difficulty breathing that does not get better after asthma medicines
Too weak or tired
When emergency treatment is needed for asthma
When emergency treatment is needed for asthma
Wheezing or coughing that does not get better after giving “quick-relief” medicines
Peak flow is less than 80% of best
Difficulty breathing that does not get better after asthma medicines
Too weak or tired

23. Common home environment asthma/allergy triggers

24. Recognize asthma triggers
Not all triggers affect every person
Three basic strategies to improve indoor air quality:
Identify the problem
Control the source
Mitigation; get rid of the pollutant or triggering substance
Recognize asthma triggers
Recognize asthma triggers
Not all triggers affect every person
Three basic strategies to improve indoor air quality:
Identify the problem
Control the source
Mitigation; get rid of the pollutant or triggering substance

25. Learning objective: Comprehension Identify five common asthma/allergy triggers in the home environment
Secondhand smoke
Dust mites
Mold
Pets
Pests
Learning objective: Comprehension
Identify common asthma/allergy triggers in the home environment
Secondhand smoke
Dust mites
Mold
Pets
Pests

26. Contains more than 4,000 substances (over 40 are carcinogenic)
Is particularly harmful to young children
Can trigger asthma attacks
Causes coughing, excess phlegm, reduced lung capacity, and other lung irritation
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke
Contains more than 4,000 substances (over 40 are carcinogenic)
Is particularly harmful to young children
Can trigger asthma attacks
Causes coughing, excess phlegm, reduced lung capacity, and other lung irritation

27. Particles such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide may cause decreased lung function
Increased risk of respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
Not only tobacco smoke—asthma triggers also include burning wood, candles, coal, kerosene, and natural gas
Smoke by products
By products of smoke
Particles such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide may cause decreased lung function
Increased risk of respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
Not only tobacco smoke—asthma triggers also include burning wood, candles, coal, kerosene, and natural gas

28. Avoiding secondhand smoke
“Please don’t smoke around kids!”
Action steps:
Do not allow smoking indoors or in vehicles
Limit use of fireplaces and candles
Use exhaust fan over gas stoves
Smoke particles stick to clothing; this can affect young child when held in arms
Avoiding secondhand smoke
Avoiding secondhand smoke action steps:
Do not allow smoking indoors or in vehicles
Limit use of fireplaces and candles
Use exhaust fan over gas stoves
Smoke particles stick to clothing; this can affect young child when held in arms

29. Dust mites Too small to be seen Found almost everywhere!
Live in soft bedding
Feed on dead skin cells
Mites and mite droppings can be asthma triggers
Live in warm, humid places
Dust mites
Dust mites
Too small to be seen
Found almost everywhere!
Live in soft bedding
Feed on dead skin cells
Mites and mite droppings can be asthma triggers
Live in warm, humid places

30. Wash sheets and blankets once a week in HOT water; then use dryer
Use air conditioner in summer to lower humidity levels
Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%
Remove carpets if possible
Use microfiber cloths to clean and dust
Vacuum often; use a HEPA vacuum if possible
Dust mite action steps
Dust mite action steps
Wash sheets and blankets once a week in HOT water; then use dryer
HOT water and a HOT dryer will kill dust mites
Wash bedding regularly and use bedding that is easily washable (avoid thick bedspreads/comforters that don’t have a washable cover)
Use air conditioner in summer to lower humidity levels
Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%
Remove carpets if possible
Use microfiber cloths to clean and dust
Vacuum often; use a HEPA vacuum if possible
Demonstration:
Microfiber cleaning cloths (these may be cheaper in the auto parts sections of stores) 30

31. Dust mite action steps Pad Plastic Cover
Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers
Vacuum mattress, chairs, and carpeting
Replace pillows every 5 years
Limit stuffed animals in bedrooms
Freeze items that can’t be washed
Dust mite action steps
Pad
Dust mite action steps
Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof (allergen-impermeable) zippered covers
Vacuum mattress, chairs, and carpeting
Replace pillows every 5 years
Limit stuffed animals in bedrooms
Freeze items that can’t be washed to kill dust mites
Freezing, like hot temperatures, also kills dust mites
Freezing might be an option for small stuffed animals that are not easily washed
Demonstration:
Pillow/mattress dust-proof covers—these are zippered to create a barrier to dust mites. Also available as bedbug proof
A plastic cover protects the mattress but is not comfortable to sleep on; put mattress pad over the plastic cover
Plastic
Cover 31

32. Dust mites action steps Credit for picture: National Center for Healthy Housing
This is a picture of clutter
Clean up clutter to get rid of dust (and pests)

33. Mold A type of fungus Grows on damp surfaces Grows by releasing spores
Grows on organic materials: Wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, and foods
Mold
Mold
A type of fungus
Grows on damp surfaces
Grows by releasing spores
Grows on organic materials: Wood, drywall, wallpaper, carpet, and foods
Note to educators:
You may want to have available the EPA publication, A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home” available via

34. Mold problems are caused by excess moisture; correct the moisture problem first!
Maintain low indoor humidity (between 30-50%); note that warm air holds more water than cold air
Fix leaky plumbing
Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans regularly
Mold action steps
Mold action steps
Mold problems are caused by excess moisture; correct the moisture problem first!
Maintain low indoor humidity (between 30-50%); note that warm air holds more water than cold air
Fix leaky plumbing
Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans regularly

35. Run a bathroom fan during bathing—make sure the fan works
Exhaust the dryer to the outdoors
Control moisture in the crawlspace
Replace carpet with hard- surface floors in basement
Use air conditioner to lower humidity
Mold action steps
Mold action steps
Run a bathroom fan during bathing—make sure the fan works
Exhaust the dryer to the outdoors
Control moisture in the crawlspace
Replace carpet with hard-surface floors in basement
Use air conditioner to lower humidity
Note to educator: Mention the “Charmin Test”
Hold one square of toilet paper next to the exhaust fan in a bathroom or kitchen
When the fan is on the paper should be sucked up to the vent—if not, the fan is not exhausting properly

36. There is no real need to test for mold; if you see it or smell it, then you have mold
Clean up small areas with a bleach solution:
1 part bleach to 10 parts water
You don’t have to use bleach! Consider soap and water
Clean when children are not present
Limit houseplants (at least in bedrooms); soil/leaves contain mold
More on mold
More on mold
There is no real need to test for mold; if you see it or smell it, then you have mold
Clean up small areas with a bleach solution:
1 part bleach to 10 parts water
You don’t have to use bleach! Consider soap and water
Bleach can be an irritant; scrubbing well with a soap and water solution will work. Make sure that the area is dry
Clean when children are not present
Since soil/leaves contain mold, limit houseplants (at least in bedrooms)
Demonstration idea:
N-95 face mask when cleaning smaller areas
Note to educator:
“Toxic black mold” … this has been exaggerated by the media
MANY molds are black and there are 1000s of species
If you are allergic to mold—you need to get rid of it
Resource:
EPA’s “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home”

37. Skin flakes, urine, and saliva of warm blooded animals can be asthma triggers
Triggers can remain inside for several months after an animal is removed, even with cleaning
Pets
Pets
Skin flakes, urine, and saliva of warm blooded animals can be asthma triggers
Triggers can remain inside for several months after an animal is removed, even with cleaning

38. Pet triggers action steps
Try to keep pets outdoors only, if possible
Keep pets off beds and out of bedrooms
Keep pets off fabric-covered furniture
Use a HEPA vacuum to vacuum up pet fur
Keep litter boxes, pet beds, and cages away from sleeping areas
If pets get on beds, wash bedding in hot water
Pet triggers action steps
Pet triggers action steps
Try to keep pets outdoors only, if possible
Keep pets off beds and out of bedrooms
Keep pets off fabric-covered furniture
Use a HEPA vacuum to vacuum up pet fur
Keep litter boxes, pet beds, and cages away from sleeping areas
If pets get on beds, wash bedding in hot water
Remember
Pets are loved members of our families too
However, if someone is sensitive to pet dander, try to at least keep pets off beds and out of the bedroom.
Note to educator
People living in apartments, urban environments (particularly in multifamily housing), or other situations may not have the option of keeping pets outdoors

39. Pests (especially cockroaches)
Many people are allergic to the body parts and droppings of cockroaches
People who have dust allergies frequently have cockroach allergies
Pests (especially cockroaches)
Pests (especially cockroaches)
Many people are allergic to the body parts and droppings of cockroaches
People who have dust allergies frequently have cockroach allergies

40. Avoiding pests 3 steps to avoid pests indoors: Prevention
Identification
Control
Avoiding pests
Avoiding pests
3 steps to avoid pests indoors:
Prevention
Identification
Control

41. Get rid of places for pests to hide and sources of food and water
Reduce clutter (boxes, stacks of newspapers, grocery bags)
Do not leave food or garbage out
Clean up food spills and crumbs
Caulk cracks and crevices
Pest-proof living space
Preventing pests
Preventing pests
Get rid of places for pests to hide and sources of food and water. Pests are like us—they like food, water, and shelter
Reduce clutter (boxes, stacks of newspapers, grocery bags)
Do not leave food or garbage out
Clean up food spills and crumbs; Clean up the kitchen… Even small amounts of food or crumbs are enough to feed cockroaches for a long time
Caulk cracks and crevices
Pest-proof living space
The first approach to preventing pests is to pest-proof the living space
Do not store paper grocery sacks or cardboard boxes around the house—cockroaches like the glue in these. Plus, those from grocery stores may have food particles

42. Action steps to control pests
Make sure you identify the pest before using pesticides
Use less toxic baits, boric acid, or traps before using more toxic pesticides
If you use sprays:
Limit spray to infested area
Ventilate room; sprays may be a trigger for asthma or cause lung irritation
Action steps to control pests
Action steps to control pests
Make sure you identify the pest before using pesticides
Use less toxic baits, boric acid, or traps before using more toxic pesticides
If you use sprays:
Limit spray to infested area
Ventilate room; sprays may be a trigger for asthma or cause lung irritation

43. Integrated pest management methods of control and action steps
Inspection
Monitors
Non-chemical treatment methods
Unit preparation
Pesticides
Integrated pest management methods of control and action steps
IPM uses an integrated approach to pest control—rather than just using pesticides
Here are the basic Integrated pest management action steps. Note the order! Pesticides is LAST, not first on the slide.
Inspection. Look for pests; focus on vulnerable areas. It is important to identify the pest first
Monitors. Trapping pests are a means of monitoring the number and kinds of pests in the home. For example, sticky traps are information-gathering tools; they alert to a growing infestation in common areas. Periodically check and and change traps!
Non-chemical treatment methods. This can include exclusion (keeping pests out) by sealing up cracks in walls where pests are entering the home, getting rid of water and food, etc. Clean up the places where pests are likely to hide. Caulk/seal around holes to prevent pest entry.
Unit preparation. Make the home inhospitable to pest by keeping a clean home: This means no food, water, or shelter (habitat) and control clutter!
Pesticides. A pesticide is something used to kill a pest. This is the last step in Integrated Pest Management. If you decide you want to use a pesticide:
Read and follow the label instructions – when you are selecting, mixing, applying, storing and disposing
While foggers and bombs are sold – they are not recommended for use – they are ineffective and expose families to pesticides
Demonstrate: Less toxic methods of pest control: Baits, traps, caulk

44. Other asthma triggers Exercise
People with asthma should be able to exercise
Sometimes, taking inhaler medicine before exercising may help
Colds/flu/respiratory infections
Often these illnesses will trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse; consider getting a flu shot
Cold weather sometimes triggers asthma
Strong fragrances
Pollens
Other asthma triggers
Other asthma triggers
Exercise
People with asthma should be able to exercise
Sometimes, taking inhaler medicine before exercising may help
For those exercising with asthma, using a quick-relief medicine 15 to 30 minutes before exercising may help reduce asthma symptoms.
Colds/flu/respiratory infections
Often these illnesses will trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse--get a flu shot
Cold weather sometimes triggers asthma
Strong fragrances
Pollens

45. Other asthma triggers Household products
Vapors from cleaning solvents (non-water based), paint, liquid bleach, mothballs, glue
Spray deodorants, perfume
Bleach, pesticides, oven cleaners, drain openers, aerosol spray products
Other asthma triggers
Other indoor triggers
Household products
Vapors from cleaning solvents (non-water based), paint, liquid bleach, mothballs, glue
Spray deodorants, perfume
Bleach, pesticides, oven cleaners, drain openers, aerosol spray products
Demonstration:
Samples of fragrance-free or “green” cleaners
Use low-toxic and fragrance-free cleaners. Make your own if you’d like. A mixture of hot water with some vinegar added is a good all-purpose cleaner

46. Let’s reflect: Application Action steps to control asthma
Create an Asthma Action Plan
There are two key ways to control asthma: Use of proper medications and reducing environmental triggers
Be aware of medicines used to treat asthma and have emergency contact numbers in case of asthma episodes
Control the environment to prevent common triggers: Secondhand smoke, dust mites, mold, pets, and pests
Let’s reflect: Application Action steps to control asthma
Let’s reflect: Application Action steps to control asthma
Make sure everyone with asthma has an Asthma Action Plan
There are two key ways to control asthma: Use of proper medications and reducing environmental triggers
Be aware of medicines used to treat asthma and have emergency contact numbers in case of asthma episodes
Control the environment to prevent triggers: dust, pests, mold, secondhand smoke, strong odors, and cleaning solvents
Show: EPA video
Breathing Freely: Controlling Asthma Triggers

47. Resources for asthma and allergies
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: www. healthyhomes.hud.gov
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
The American Lung Association: disease/asthma/
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Mold: Fire & Water Cleanup and Restoration Service companies,
Pests: Pest Control Companies—ask if they use IPM
Secondhand Smoke: Smoking Cessation: smokefree.gov, state Health, Department Quitline
Resources for asthma and allergies
Any questions?