Asthma Attack Prevention Checklist
- Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during high-ozone days.
- Don't smoke.
- Avoid inhaling secondhand smoke and chemicals.
- Do not use a wood-burning stove regularly.
- Get an annual flu shot.
- If allergies trigger your asthma, ask your provider about getting allergy shots.
- Talk to your provider about an appropriate level of exercise.
- Talk to your provider about how to track your asthma, so you can identify and treat flare-ups immediately.
- Talk to your provider about additional allergen reduction measures for mites, mold, cockroaches, pollens, and animal dander.
- If you have seasonal pollen or mold allergies, your provider may suggest that you:
- Keep windows closed during high pollination seasons.
- Shower and change after performing outdoor activities.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the early morning hours when pollen counts are highest.
- Keep track of the pollen count and minimize prolonged outdoor activity when pollen counts are predicted to be high.
- If you have dust mite allergies, your provider may suggest that you:
- Clean your home regularly. Wipe down dusty furniture and vacuum weekly.
- Use zippered plastic or allergen-proof fabric covers on your mattresses, pillows, and box springs.
- Wash your sheets and linens in hot water once a week.
- Remove rugs and carpets from your bedroom.
- Remove stuffed toys and decorative pillows from your bedroom.
- Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to decrease the humidity in your home and basement.
- If you have an allergy to animal dander:
- Ideally, keep furred pets out of your home.
- Keep pets out of the bedroom and living areas.
- Wash or rinse your pet once a week.
- Install hardwood flooring.
- Use HEPA filters.
- Talk to your provider or allergist about additional animal allergen reduction measures.
Allergens:
For more information about controlling exposure to allergens, please visit the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology at the following links:
Outdoor Allergens
Indoor Allergens