Asthma and Very Young Children

Common Triggers

Asthma triggers are things that don’t bother most people but can make inflamed lungs even worse for a child with asthma. One of the most common triggers for very young children is the common cold. Other asthma triggers include:

• smoke
• allergies to things such as pets, dust mites and plants
• strong smells (perfumes or other odors)
• changes in weather or cold air
• running or playing hard
• crying or laughing

If your child has asthma, your doctor will help you find out which triggers make symptoms worse. The first step to controlling symptoms is to stay away from the things that make your child cough or wheeze.