How to eliminate the five worst asthma triggers

Asthma triggers can be different for different people, but there are some that are more common than others — these are five of the worst asthma triggers.

Cigarette smoke is unhealthy for anyone to breathe in, but it can be particularly troublesome for people with asthma. If you have asthma and you are a smoker, it's a good idea to try quitting because the attacks will only get worse over time. Even if you don't smoke, however, secondhand smoke can still be quite harmful to your condition. Make sure you remove yourself from situations where people are smoking around you.

Dust mites are tiny insects that live in your house. Every house has them, but if you don't take measures to control them, they can be bad for your asthma. Be sure to wash your bedding often as they have the strongest effect when you're sleeping. Use mattress covers to provide an additional barrier, and sweep and vacuum the floors in your house frequently.

As much as you might love having pets in the house, they can be very difficult for someone with asthma. Cats, dogs and other animals that shed have allergens in their fur that can trigger an asthma attack. If you do have pets in your house, be sure to bathe them frequently so that dander doesn't build up. It's also a good idea to keep your bedroom a pet-free zone so that you aren't irritated while you're sleeping.

Perfumes and other types of sprays can sometimes trigger an asthma attack. Different people will react to different types of perfumes, hairsprays and other products, so be sure to notice which scents bother you and try to avoid them. Some cleaning products can irritate asthma sufferers as well, but these also tend to be different for different people.

Mould is the biggest cause of asthma attacks for many people. Humidity in your home causes mould to grow, but by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier, you can regulate humidity levels. Use a hygrometer to keep an eye on humidity levels and try to keep them lower than 50 per cent. Water leaks can also lead to mould growth, so make sure your pipes are sound and well-maintained.