Asthma is the most common chronic health problem in the United States. It is especially common among kids. There is no cure, but there are ways to prevent asthma from making your daily life a coughing, sneezing, wheezing headache.

Asthma trouble is caused by airborne allergens. These are small particles that are common in the house and irritate your respiratory system. They include dust, mold, pollen, animal dander, tobacco smoke and other airborne irritants. The key to controlling asthma is to reduce these household irritants.

Dust Mites

Studies have shown that exposure to dust mites may cause a child to develop asthma. These are tiny insects that live in dust. They thrive in bedding, carpets and furniture. They are most common in humid environments. It's their excrement that causes an allergic reaction.

If you have children, it is very important that you deal with the dust mites in your house. Every house has them and it is impossible to get rid of them completely, but there are some things you can do to minimize you child's exposure:

-Make sure there is good ventilation. Open windows, keep the air flowing.

-Buy allergen impermeable covers for pillows and furniture. Wrapping furniture in plastic also helps.

-Clean bedding at least once a week. Clean regularly and try to keep the house as dust-free as possible.

-But an air filtration system that will remove environmental allergens. This will help with other allergens such as mold and pet dander too.

-Since humidity is favored by dust mites, use a dehumidifier. This will also cut down on mold.

When cleaning dust, use a damp cloth. Cleaning dusty surfaces with a dry cloth only stirs up the dust.

Mold

Mold is a problem in most homes. Like dust, it is unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to reduce the mold in your house. Keep the house clean and make sure there is never anything left wet. Keep the humidity in the house down, and check for mold in hard-to-find places. Mold likes to grow under carpets, behind furniture, in crawlspaces and on bathroom tiles.

Tobacco Smoke

People are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers of second hand smoke. Exposure to smoke in childhood may be one of the causes of asthma. In addition to direct inhalation, smoke clings to furniture and clothes.

The best thing you can do is to stop smoking. Failing that, at least smoke outside or when away from the house.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches can be a major allergen for asthma sufferers. Make sure not to leave any food out, and clean up any standing water in your house. Also, make sure there are no leaky faucets where cockroaches might like to live.

Pets

Many people are allergic to the hair and saliva of cats and dogs. If you are very allergic to pets, don't have one, or restrict the animal's access to the house. Groom your pet regularly. After petting your dog or cat, wash your hands. You may also want to wear gloves when petting them.

Be Aware Of Your Asthma

The only way to prevent asthma is to be aware of it. Millions of asthma suffers go undiagnosed, or are diagnosed too late.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

- Trouble breathing or catching your breath.
- Persistent coughing or sneezing. You shouldn't cough or sneeze more than a few times a day.
- Wheezing.
- No sense of taste or smell.
- Dark patches around the eyes.
- Constant ear or sinus infections.

If you or your child suffer any of these asthma symptoms, go to the doctor immediately. If you are diagnosed with asthma, seek treatment right away.