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Rid Your Home of Triggers for Kids’ Asthma, Allergies When it comes to ridding your home of triggers, experts say forget the costly air purifiers and focus on the big offenders: dust, smoke, chemicals and pets. “Many people believe that outdoor pollution causes most problems, but indoors is more important,” says Michael Welch, M.D., editor in chief of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Guide to Your Child’s Allergies and Asthma. “Kids spend more time indoors. Consider how much time is spent sleeping.” He offers these simple solutions: Dust Most people who think they’re allergic to dust are not. It’s far more likely they’re allergic to dust mites. Avoid clutter in the child’s room, such as piles of stuffed animals that become dust collectors. Keep the child’s mattress and box spring clean. Encase them and pillows in coverings that don’t let in particles. Wash bedding in the hottest water possible at least once or twice a week. Buy window coverings for the child’s bedroom that don’t include fabric, which collects dust and mites. Pulldown shades and vertical blinds are a better choice. Favor wood, laminate, tile or other floor coverings over carpet. Use small, washable area rugs. Use a vacuum cleaner with a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Clean surfaces with a damp cloth or a dust-removing spray and cloth. Smoke Quit smoking, or go outside to smoke. Smoke can trigger an asthma attack and aggravate allergies. Chemicals Cologne and perfume can trigger problems. The same is true for strong household cleaning products. If it has a powerful odor, it might be a trigger. Pets Cats cause a higher degree of problems, but dogs can cause problems, too. Free Asthma Management Class Kapi‘olani offers Breathe Easy, a free asthma management session for parents, every Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Call 808-535-7000 for more information.