Irritants

Many substances can irritate the nose, throat or airways. Common irritants include smoke, such as tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning or kerosene stoves and fireplaces, aerosol sprays, strong odors, dust and air pollution.

Cigarette smoke is one of the most common irritants and is a strong cause of asthma symptoms.

Actions You Can Take against Asthma and Irritants

• Avoid aerosol sprays, perfumes, strong cleaning products and other odor sources in the home. Clean when your child is not home when possible.

• It is important that no one smokes in the home or car with a child who has asthma.

• Avoid smoke exposure in the child’s school or day care setting.

• If you smoke, try to give up smoking. Ask the doctor about techniques that are helpful. Every state offers free telephone counseling through the QuitLine. The QuitLine number is 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1.800.784.8559.

• Always look for nonsmoking sections in public areas.