DailyBreath & Allergy Defender
Are You Familiar With the Most Common Allergy & Asthma Triggers?
Plus download the DailyBreath app
Common Indoor Triggers
There are a number of indoor allergy triggers that can cause asthma. Some of the most common include dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches and more.
Pet Dander
Pet dander, which is made up of skin cells shed by animals, is a common trigger of allergies. Dander can be found in all kinds of places—in the air, on surfaces, and in people’s clothes. When inhaled, it can trigger an allergic reaction, causing symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. In some people, it can also cause asthma attacks. Pet dander is not only a nuisance for people with allergies, but it can also be serious. In fact, studies have shown that exposure to pet dander can increase a person’s risk of developing asthma.
Dust mites
Dust mites are small, spider-like creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments. They are often found in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, and their feces contain a potent allergen that can cause respiratory problems in people who are sensitive to it. In fact, dust mite allergies are one of the most common types of allergies. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches have long been known to be a major trigger of asthma attacks, particularly in children. Cockroaches release an allergen that can cause asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. The allergen is made of the waste, saliva and body parts of the cockroach. In addition, cockroaches can trigger allergies in people who are not even allergic to them. If you have cockroaches in your home, it is important to get rid of them as soon as possible. Cockroach eradication can be difficult, but there are a number of methods that can be effective, such as baits or traps.
The DailyBreath App
The DailyBreath mobile app helps users manage their risk of experiencing symptoms associated with environmental triggers. The benefits of the DailyBreath asthma app include:
Reduce and avoid asthma attacks by understanding the allergens, pollutants, and weather conditions that impact YOUR asthma. Short educational videos teach you why and how they may impact YOUR symptoms.
Track your symptoms as associated with environmental triggers to translate your experience of symptoms into your own personalized daily asthma forecast, your DailyBreath Forecast.
Pinpoint where in your community you and other DailyBreath users are experiencing asthma symptoms triggered due to allergen or pollutant exposures.
Regularly take your maintenance medications prompted by automatic reminders, and gain insights over time of the effectiveness of your inhaler medications in the context of your symptoms experience.
Share your asthma journey with others through community features; the Your DailyBreath Friends List and the DailyBreath Discussion Board.
The DailyBreath mobile app is available on iOS and Android.
Common Asthma Triggers
Keeping track of triggers is important and could help you better understanding your asthma
Pollen
For many people, pollen is nothing more than an annoyance. It can make your eyes water and your nose run, but it doesn't poses a serious health risk. However, for people with asthma, pollen can be a trigger that sets off a dangerous asthma attack. During an attack, the muscles around the airways constrict, making it difficult to breathe. In severe cases, asthma attacks can be fatal. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, and currently, there is no way to prevent pollen from triggering an attack. However, there are treatments available that can help to control the symptoms and minimize the risk of an attack.
Cigarettes
The chemicals released into the air by cigarettes are harmful to both adults and children, and can cause a variety of health problems. Some of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, lead, and arsenic. These substances can damage the lungs and respiratory system, and can also cause cancer. In addition, secondhand smoke is a known trigger for asthma attacks and can worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Mold
Mold and mildew are fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. They are often found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens, and can also grow on damp clothing and fabrics. While mold is generally harmless, some people are allergic to it and can experience respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks. People with asthma are especially vulnerable to the effects of mold, as they already have difficulty breathing. If you suspect that mold is causing respiratory problems, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, simply removing the mold source can alleviate symptoms.
Strong odors
Some studies suggest that certain environmental factors may play a role in triggering or worsening asthma symptoms. One such factor is exposure to strong chemical odors. Chemicals like cleaning products, perfumes, and paint fumes can all irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack. In some cases, these triggers can be so severe that they lead to hospitalization. Even low levels of exposure can cause problems for people with asthma, so it's important to take steps to avoid strong smells whenever possible. If you must be exposed to them, try to do so in a well-ventilated area and wear a protective mask. By taking these precautions, you can help minimize your risk of an asthma attack.
What measures do you take to control your indoor allergies and allergic asthma?
If you have indoor allergies or allergic asthma, it is important to control your environment and reduce your exposure to allergens. By taking these simple steps, you can help to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
1.) Download the DailyBreath app to reduce and avoid asthma attacks by understanding the allergens, pollutants, and weather conditions that impact YOUR asthma. Short educational videos teach you why and how they may impact YOUR symptoms.
2.) Keep your home clean and free of dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens
3.) Use an air purifier in your home rated for the square footage of the room you are trying to purify
4.) Change your HVAC air filters regularly. We find people just don't change their filters often enough.
5.) Vacuum regularly with a HEPA "high-efficiency particulate air" filter vacuum cleaner
6.) Wear a dust mask when cleaning or vacuuming
7.) Keep your windows and doors closed to keep pollen and other outdoor allergens out of your home
8.) Avoid triggers such as smoke, perfume, and strong odors (like cleaning chemicals)
9.) Use an Allergen Spray to help reduce indoor triggers.