Each season presents a different set of obstacles, or triggers, to avoid when trying to remain in control of your child’s asthma symptoms. Below are some common asthma triggers for children during each season.
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of
asthma triggers,
but it does highlight some common things to look out for throughout the year.
Winter asthma triggers
- Viral illnesses, such as the cold or flu
- Dust and mold from holiday decorations
During the winter months, be cautious of your child’s surroundings, especially when your child is around people who are sick. Also, as you begin to hang holiday decorations, keep them clean and simple to avoid any excess dust that may result from being stored.
Spring asthma triggers
- Grass and tree pollen
- Airborne mold
During the spring pollen season, try to keep your child indoors on those dry, hot, windy days. Keeping windows closed and using an air conditioner may also be helpful. To avoid bringing pollen into the house, try to avoid hanging clothes outside, where pollen and mold spores can collect on them.
Summer asthma triggers
- Grass and weed pollen
- Extreme heat
- Airborne mold
Like the spring asthma season, it’s important to try to keep your child indoors on dry, hot, windy days during the summer. Continue to use an air conditioner to avoid bringing pollen into the house. And consider alternatives to your child’s outdoor activities on extremely hot days when poor air quality is expected.
Fall asthma triggers
- Viral illnesses, such as the cold or flu
- School-based triggers, such as dusty books, chalk, dust, cleaning chemicals, and classroom pets
- Grass and weed pollen
- Outdoor airborne molds
During the fall months, it’s important to wash your child’s hands, as well as your own, frequently. To avoid outdoor airborne molds, don’t let your child play in, rake, or walk through leaves. As school is starting to ramp up, take a quick look through your child’s classroom to see if there are any triggers that may pose a threat.