“Asthma-Proofing Your World,” many people get asthma attacks when they come in contact with certain “triggers,” or substances to which they are sensitive. These triggers can also increase your airways’ sensitivity, leaving your lungs inflamed and more prone to asthma attacks in the future. Again, inflammation happens over time, quietly, so you may not even realize your asthma is slowly getting worse
There are two basic types of asthma triggers: allergic and no allergic. Most asthma triggers fall into the first category. When you have allergic asthma, your body overreacts to certain substances with a predictable inflammatory response. The most potent allergen triggers come from the dander, saliva, and droppings of pets; house-dust mites; and cockroaches. Other allergens include molds and pollen. No allergen triggers can be strong odors (paint or perfume, for example), outdoor air pollutants, and tobacco smoke.
Why do triggers matter? If you can avoid the triggers that aggravate your asthma, you can stay healthy with the least amount of medicine possible. And when you’re pregnant, that’s a good idea. Asthma medications, when taken at the right time, dosage, and type, are safe during pregnancy. Still, it’s wise to limit the amount of medication you and your baby receive in order to prevent side effects. Continue reading ‘Avoiding Asthma Triggers’ »