If you have asthma, you know how scary and uncomfortable it can feel when an asthma attack strikes. Asthma is a condition where the airways in your lungs become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe.

While there isn’t a cure for asthma, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and avoid triggers that can make your asthma worse. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 common triggers of asthma attacks and how you can avoid them.

1. Tobacco Smoke

If you smoke cigarettes, it’s time to quit. Smoking is one of the leading causes of asthma, as the chemicals in cigarette smoke can irritate and inflame the airways in your lungs.

But even if you don’t smoke, being around secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Try to avoid places where people are smoking, and ask your friends and family to smoke outside.

2. Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bedding, carpets, and furniture. For people with asthma, exposure to these bugs and their waste products can trigger an attack.

To reduce your exposure to dust mites, wash your bedding and blankets in hot water at least once a week, vacuum carpets and furniture regularly, and use dust mite covers on your pillows and mattress.

3. Pollen

When pollen counts are high, it can be difficult for people with asthma to breathe. To avoid pollen triggers, try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high, keep your windows closed, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter in your home.

You can also check the pollen counts in your area on a daily basis so you know when to be extra cautious about going outside.

4. Mold

Mold is another common trigger of asthma attacks. Mold can grow in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. To prevent mold growth, keep these areas dry and well-ventilated.

If you notice any mold, clean it up immediately with a mixture of bleach and water. You can also use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.

5. Cockroaches

Like dust mites, cockroaches can be found in many homes and can trigger asthma attacks.

To prevent cockroach infestations, keep your home clean and free of crumbs and food debris, seal up any cracks or holes where cockroaches can enter your home, and consider using traps or baits to catch any cockroaches that do make their way inside.

6. Pet Dander

If you have pets, it can be hard to imagine giving them up. But for people with asthma, pet dander can trigger an attack. Try to keep your pets out of your bedroom, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove pet dander from the air.

You can also bathe your pets regularly to reduce the amount of dander they produce.

7. Exercise

For some people with asthma, exercise can be a trigger for an asthma attack. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid physical activity altogether. Instead, talk to your doctor about developing an exercise plan that works for you.

This might include warming up slowly, using your inhaler before exercising, and choosing activities that are less likely to trigger an attack, like swimming or yoga.

8. Cold Air

Cold air can also be a trigger for asthma attacks. If possible, try to avoid being outside on cold, windy days. When you do go outside, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or mask to help warm the air you’re breathing.

You can also try exercising indoors on cold days, like at a gym or community center.

9. Strong Smells

For some people with asthma, strong smells like perfume, cleaning products, or wood smoke can trigger an attack. To avoid these triggers, try to use unscented or mild cleaning products and avoid using scented candles or air fresheners in your home.

When you’re out in public, try to stay away from people who are wearing strong perfumes or colognes.

10. Stress

Finally, stress can be a trigger for asthma attacks in some people. To manage stress and reduce your risk of an asthma attack, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

You can also talk to a therapist or counselor about strategies for reducing stress in your life.