About Asthma

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Asthma is not contagious, but it does run in families, so if parents have asthma, their children are more likely to have it, too. Children, particularly those living in urban areas and crowded or unclean conditions, are especially at risk for developing asthma. African-American children living in low-income families tend to have more severe asthma and are at greater risk of death.

What causes an attack?

Each person is different, but many things (called asthma triggers") can cause asthma attacks. These can be found both outdoors and indoors and include:

What can you do?

• Make sure that your home is free of dust, mold, smoke, and other potential triggers.
• Vacuum often-HEPA (High Efficiency Particle Air) filters remove dust best.
• Keep foods stored in tightly sealed containers to avoid attracting cockroaches and rodents by keeping food in tightly sealed containers.
• Clear crumbs, drips, spills, and dirty dishes immediately.
• Identify and quickly fix water leaks in your home.

Keep people with asthma away from dust, dust mites, and smoke

• Use zippered "allergen resistant" mattress and pillow covers to keep dust mites out of sleeping spaces.
• Keep pets outdoors or away from sleeping areas; clear hairs from carpets and furniture.
• Quit smoking, or smoke only outside your home and car. Always keep tobacco smoke away from children.
• Change bed sheets often.
• Keep people with asthma out of a room while vacuuming or dusting.

Get medical advice and follow the doctor's instructions

• Get medical attention for breathing problems.
• Get emergency medical care for bad attacks of shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Take all prescribed medication, either to prevent attacks or to lessen the symptoms.
• Find out what allergies you have so you can avoid these potential asthma trigger.