Common asthma triggers include dust, pollen, cockroaches, cold air, smoke, and other strong odors, such as paint, cleaning fluids, perfume, hair spray, and powder.

For some people, the problem is animal dander, flakes of skin and dried saliva from furry or feathered animals.  For others, asthma can be triggered by medication, such as aspirin, sulfites or preservatives used in food.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, some adults in Manhattan reported an increase in their asthma symptoms due to stress, as well as from smoke and debris.

It's not always possible to avoid asthma triggers, but experts suggest that you can track what causes problems and limit exposure as much as possible.  Also, talk with your doctor about preventive steps you can take.  For example, to get rid of dust mites, you can encase pillows and mattresses in dust-proof covers and wash bed linens and stuffed animals in hot water each week. There is also allergy free bedding available.

Know what triggers your or your children's asthma or allergies.  Talk to a doctor about keeping emergency medicine around if your asthma or allergies are severe.  If someone you love takes asthma or allergy medications make sure they know when to take it.

• Clean your home often.  Since cleaning puts dust into the air, and dust triggers asthma, have someone without asthma or allergies do it.  Wear a dust masks if you cant find somebody else to clean.
• Keep clutter down.  Clutter collects dust and makes it harder to keep a clean home.  Store your belongings in plastic or cardboard boxes instead of keeping them in piles or stacks.
• When possible, don't have carpeting or rugs.  Hard floors (vinyl, wood, or tile) are much easier to keep dust-free.  If you do have rugs or carpet, vacuum often or the asthma triggers will pile up!

• Use zippered plastic mattress and pillow covers beneath sheets and pillowcases.  If the mattress cover is uncomfortable, put a mattress pad over it.  You may want to consider allergy free bedding.
• Wash bedding, including blankets, pillow covers, and mattress pads in hot water every week. Temperatures above 130°F kill dust mites.

Roaches and rodents can trigger asthma and allergies.  They need food, water, warmth, and shelter to survive.  You can control roaches, mice, and other pests by making these things hard to get. Here are some tips to keep pests away:

• Store food in tightly sealed containers.
• Clean up crumbs and spills right away.
• Empty your garbage often.
• Wash your dirty dishes right after eating.
• Don't leave out pet food overnight.
• Fix plumbing leaks and drips.
• Seal cracks where roaches and other bugs hide or get into your home.

Furry pets like dogs, cats, and gerbils can trigger asthma and allergy attacks because of their saliva and skin flakes.  If you do have pets inside, make sure to keep them out of sleeping areas and off fabric-covered furniture.

Make sure your gas appliances, fireplace, furnace, or wood-burning stove have yearly checkups to keep down soot (and protect you from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Check the filter on your furnace or air conditioner a couple times each year.  Clean or change when needed.  Think about buying filters that cost a little more than the most economical ones.  They will clean the air in your home better thereby keeping asthma triggers to a minimum.  They trap more dust so you will need to change them more often.

Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoke can trigger asthma attacks.  It is best to quit smoking.  Otherwise, smoke outside and away from children and adults with allergies and asthma.

When people breathe in mold, it can trigger major asthma attacks. Mold needs water to grow.  Keep your home dry to control mold.  That will also help with roaches and dust mites.

Air cleaners and purifiers may help in the homes of allergy and asthma patients.