Regularly washing fabrics helps fight these irritants. It s important to breathe easy in the home above all, so get into the groove of cleaning and be free of dust mites and other airborne irritants. Sometimes, even outside pollen can affect asthma symptoms. It may be best to stay indoors, with central air conditioning, on high-pollen days. In the years 1972-1986 Sweden did a poll to see what the trends were with asthma and the elderly and they found that 710,187 hospitalisation days and 62,342 periods of hospital treatment were mainly due to the elderly and asthma. Typical Symptoms Typical symptoms of asthma may mimic Chronic Bronchitis, and Emphysema, colds and allergy. A dry nighttime cough, shortness of breath after exertion such as crawling, walking or playing. Minimizing the triggers By removing the triggers as much as possible, it will help make attacks less likely things that can help trigger an attack are dust mites, pollen, fur, and smoke. If you child suffers more than two attacks a week he will probably be prescribed inhalers, they can also be given a breathing mask which may make the drugs easier to administer, although it might be a little scary at first it will help him or her breath easier. Your pharmacist can answer any questions you may have about your asthma medication. Getting into a routine with medication, and learning how to use it properly, will making living with asthma much more manageable. To find more information about asthma and assorted asthma medications, look for online resources. Asthma Triggers Smoke should be banned from the home of an asthmatic as it can bring on an attack. Dust mites, you can by protective mattress covers and pillow covers that will block the dust mites from you. Pollution from car and industry emission in built up areas, air pollution when air quality is low asthma attacks go up. Aasthma Worsening Asthma symptoms, like symptoms with any prolonged illness, can vary from time to time, season to season. Monitoring your symptoms is important; you've got to be vigilant, because even the mildest onset of one thing, untreated, can mean big trouble down the road. It s important to listen to your body and respond to the cries for help it gives out.