• 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