Asthma Triggers

Many things can start an asthma flare-up. These are called triggers. Each child with asthma may have different triggers. Learning your child’s triggers can help prevent flare-ups.

Common Triggers

  • Air pollution – Poor air quality.
  • Colds and infections – Respiratory infections, like colds, flu, and RSV. These are the most common asthma triggers.
  • Cockroaches – Their poop (droppings).
  • Dust mites – Tiny bugs that live in bedding, pillows, carpets, and stuffed toys.
  • Exercise – Physical activity, especially in cold air. Children with asthma should still stay active.
  • Mold – Grows in damp places like bathrooms and basements.
  • Pets – Animals with fur or feathers, even if they don’t shed.
  • Pollen – Tiny particles from trees, grass, and weeds.
  • Smoke – Campfire, cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, cigars, and pipes.
  • Stress or strong emotions – Crying, laughing hard, or feeling upset.
  • Strong odors – Perfumes, cleaning products, essential oils, and other strong smells.
  • Weather changes – Cold air or very humid weather.

Smoke Exposure

People with asthma should not smoke or be around smoke. Even small amounts of smoke can make asthma symptoms worse.

Smoke can come from:

  • Cigarettes
  • Vape devices
  • Marijuana products
  • Pipes
  • Cigars
  • Campfires
  • Fireplaces
  • Wood stoves

Breathing smoke can:

  • Cause asthma symptoms.
  • Lead to more asthma flare-ups.
  • Make asthma medicines less effective, meaning they may not work as well.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is the smoke your child breathes in while someone is smoking or vaping nearby.

Thirdhand Smoke (THS)

Thirdhand smoke is the leftover nicotine and harmful chemicals that stay on surfaces and in the air after smoking stops.

Smoke can stick to clothing, hair, bedding, furniture, skin, carpet, walls, and inside cars.

What You Can Do

  • Do not allow smoking or vaping in your home.
  • Do not allow smoking or vaping in your car.
  • Ask friends or family members to smoke outside, away from your child.
  • Wash hands and change clothing after smoking.
  • Keep your child away from places where people smoke.

Tools to help quit smoking

  • Talk to your doctor or health care provider.
  • Visit Smokefree.gov or text QUIT to 47848 for SmokefreeTXT.
  • Call the CDC Quitline at 1 (800) QUIT-NOW [1 (800) 784-8669].
  • Join group classes or programs.
  • Use online programs or apps.
  • Talk to counselors or health coaches.