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But it could mean that your child might react to asthma “triggers” in your home.

One of the trickiest parts about asthma and allergies is that most of the “triggers” – like the tiny airborne particles (allergens) that can set off an asthma episode – are hidden. But these triggers can be life threatening for the millions of asthma sufferers in the United States.

There is no known “cause” of asthma – but the number of Americans with asthma has more than doubled from nearly 7 million in 1980 to 17 million in 1998!1 So, you are not alone.

Young Children are at Greatest Risk

No one wants to spend the night in the emergency room with a child suffering an asthma attack. In fact, asthma accounts for one in six of all pediatric emergency visits in the United States4 — and causes nearly 90,000 hospitalizations each year5! That’s more than any other childhood disease.

Asthma is a Serious Disease

  • Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in the U.S., affecting more than one child in 20.2
  • In 1999, there were 4,657 deaths from asthma.3

Dust mites
Animal dander
(skin flakes and saliva)
Cockroaches and
their droppings
Mold and mildew
Pollen
(from outside)

Asthma is scary. But while there is no sure way to prevent asthma, it is a disease that can be managed. There are some practical things you can do in your home to eliminate as many triggers as you can. And the more you reduce asthma triggers, the easier your child will breathe.

Just as people with high cholesterol have to monitor their diet/fat intake more than the average person does. . . a person working to control asthma has to work harder at eliminating the triggers. But it’s possible! All it takes is commitment and a little extra time.

SDA's Guide Can Help Reduce Asthma Flares… One Step at a Time:

Start with an Allergen Plan :
1.  Work with your regular doctor or clinic to figure out which allergens affect     your child the most.
2.  Concentrate on controlling those allergens.
3.  Start with the easiest, least expensive options, like working to remove     “triggers” in the home – especially the ones that most affect your child.


Put Your Plan Into Action:
1.  Set up your room-by-room cleaning plan — starting where the asthma-sufferer sleeps.

•  Wash bedding and curtains
•  Dust and vacuum
•  Clean windowsills and frames
•  Wet mop floors
•  Remove stuffed animals (or enclose them in a cabinet)


Learn as much as you can about asthma:
1.  Ask your doctor or clinic for asthma education information.
2.  Join an asthma support group. Studies show they can really help you set and reach your goals.
3.  Keep an asthma diary to track asthma episodes.
4.  Work with your doctor or clinic to determine what other steps you need to take —
    such as removing carpeting from your home.


Studies show that by limiting your shild's exposure to asthma triggers when he or she is young,
you may reduce the severity of his/her asthma later in life!
Interested in Learning More about Asthma?

FREE Allergen Control Plan Handbook

A step-by-step guide is available to help you get started with eliminating triggers from your home. For your free copy of Cleaning to Control Allergies and Asthma, write to:

The Soap and Detergent Association
1500 K Street, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
Fax: 202-347-4110
E-mail: order@cleaning101.com

Available in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.


References:
1. Asthma Prevention Program of the Nat'l Ctr. for Environmental Health, CDC, 1998
2. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
3. National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 49, No. 8, CDC
4. Asthma in Children Fact Sheet, American Lung Association, 2001
5. Nat'l Ctr. for Health Statistics, New Asthma Estimates:Tracking Prevalence, Health Care, & Mortality, CDC, October 5, 2001
© 2002 The Soap and Detergent Association