Dealing With Triggers: Irritants

A variety of things can make asthma or allergy symptoms worse. These are called "triggers." Your doctor can help you figure out what your child's triggers are.

Irritants (also called pollutants) are a common trigger for many kids.

What Are Irritants?

Irritants are things that pollute the air. If they get inside your nose, they can cause irritation of the nose and lungs. Common irritants include:

• perfumes
• aerosol sprays
• cleaning products
• wood and tobacco smoke
• vaping
• paint or gas fumes
• smog

How Can I Help My Child Avoid Irritants?

• Avoid strong odors from paint, perfume, hair spray, disinfectants, chemical cleaners, air fresheners, and glues.
• Switch to unscented or non-aerosol versions of household products (air fresheners, candles/incense, plug-in air fresheners, etc.)
• Do not burn wood fires in fireplaces or wood stoves.
• Keep your child away from areas where painting or carpentry work is being done.
• If you cook on a gas stove, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated — to the outside, if possible.
• Do not smoke or vape (or allow others to smoke or vape) in the house — even if your child isn't there, the chemicals get trapped in the upholstery and carpets. Avoid places where people will be smoking or vaping.
• Live Christmas trees can cause symptoms or make them worse in some kids. Get an artificial tree if they bother your child.