May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and as asthma affects 25 million Americans, 7 million of them children, it is important to know what triggers asthma.

Asthma is a respiratory disease that can be anywhere from mild to life threatening. Asthma attacks are brought on by triggers, which can be anything that causes inflammation of airways.

Triggers can vary from person to person, and what might affect one person with asthma might not affect another person. Triggers are often things that impact allergies, such as:

• dust mites
• animals
• cockroaches
• mold
• pollen
• viral infections
• air pollutants

Other non-allergy related triggers include:

• smoke
• chemical fumes
• exercise
• cold air
• intense emotions

Asthma attacks account for about two million emergency room visits each year, but experts say this number can be reduced if you take some precautions to prevent being exposed to triggers.

One big step is to "de-trigger" your home. Keep it clean and free of clutter to avoid pests and dust. Keep a low humidity in the home and maintain a consistent temperature. Use mattress covers and pillowcases to put a layer between you and dust mites. Keep in mind air quality reports for outdoor air pollutants. Stay healthy by not smoking and keep in touch with your doctor about medications and emergency protocol.

Learn your own personal triggers and take measures to prevent being exposed to those elements. Some triggers cannot be avoided, but you can help control your asthma.

Photo by Medications to Treat Asthma