What Causes an Asthma Flare-Up?
Different kids have different triggers — things that set off asthma flare-ups. There are a lot of triggers. Some kids are sensitive to allergens (say: ah-lur-jenz), substances that cause allergic reactions in the airways. Common allergens for kids with asthma include dust mites (tiny bugs that live in dust), mold (if you’ve ever been in a damp basement and smelled something funny, it was probably mold), and pollen (from trees, grass, and weeds). A lot of kids have asthma flare-ups when they are near furry animals. Cats and dogs both have what’s called animal dander in their fur. This is sort of like dandruff, and it’s a trigger that can cause a powerful reaction in the airways. Some substances can trigger flare-ups because they really irritate the airways. These include perfume, chalk dust, and cigarette smoke. Smoking is always a bad idea, especially around someone who has asthma. Sometimes an infection can be a trigger and set off an asthma flare-up. If a kid comes down with a cold o
