You might not think much about the air you breathe. That is, unless you’re one of the millions of Americans living with a condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These conditions affect your lungs and make it harder to breathe. And what’s in the air can make these conditions worse.

Symptoms of asthma and COPD can include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Allergens like pollen and pet dander can make these symptoms worse. So can other triggers, like dust or smoke.^1,2

“COPD is most typically found in current or former smokers,” says Lawrence Shulman, D.O. He’s the Chief Medical Officer at ProHEALTH Care Associates, part of Optum. Asthma can happen to anyone. It often starts in childhood.²

What you breathe in can trigger symptoms of asthma and COPD. This is called an exacerbation or flare-up. When you have a flare-up, you can feel sick, according to Dr. Shulman. “It’s similar to a severe chest cold.”

There’s no cure for asthma or COPD. But there are ways that may help keep you from having flare-ups. One place where these triggers may be, and may be minimized, is in your own house. Here are five common asthma and COPD triggers that may be hiding in your home.

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Trigger 1: Smoke

If you have COPD or asthma and smoke or are around smokers, it can worsen your symptoms. “Cigarette smoke is the primary cause of COPD and the primary cause of continued symptoms,” says Dr. Shulman.

Other kinds of smoke, like from a fireplace or stove, can trigger asthma and COPD symptoms, too.^3,4

Solution: The best way to keep your symptoms from getting worse is to stay away from smokers. That includes not smoking yourself. Another option? Try encouraging family members who smoke to quit. Or if you’re a smoker, make a plan to quit. Your doctor can help.

When cooking, be sure to use vent fans to clear smoke. Avoid using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. If you do, make sure they’re well-ventilated.⁵

Trigger 2: Strong odors

If you like to keep a home that’s clean and smells nice, you might be causing COPD and asthma flare-ups. Here are products that can worsen symptoms:^3,4

• Air fresheners
• Cleaning products
• Paints
• Scented candles

Solution: It’s best not to be around smells or odors that make your symptoms worse, says Dr. Shulman. Choose products that are unscented. You can also try using natural, fragrance-free cleaning products. And, open windows and turn on fans while cleaning your home.

Trigger 3: Pet dander (flakes of skin)

Lots of Americans have pets in their homes. In fact, 3 in 5 households have a pet, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). And flakes of pets’ skin (dander) are a common allergen that can make breathing problems worse.⁵

Solution: The best strategy is to stay away from furry pets that trigger allergies and breathing problems. If you’re looking for a new pet, consider choosing a type that sheds less and creates less dander, says Dr. Shulman.

If you must be around furry friends, you can help keep dander at bay with thorough cleaning. Vacuum and dust regularly. Wash your hands, or even take a shower, after contact with animals. Wash your clothes, sheets and anything else that pets touch. Better yet, keep pets out of your bedroom.^3,6

Trigger 4: Dust and dust mites

The dust in your home has everything from dead skin cells to dust mite droppings and body fragments in it.^7,8 (Dust mites are tiny, insect-like creatures that eat flakes of skin.)

When you breathe in dust, it can cause you to have an allergic reaction. And that can cause an asthma or COPD flare-up. One recent study showed that being around dust can make COPD symptoms worse.⁹

Solution: “Keep your house clean and wash bedsheets in water that’s at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit weekly,” says Dr. Shulman. Washing with hot water will help kill and wash away dust mites.⁷ Vacuum and dust regularly to keep dust from building up. ALA recommends dusting with a damp cloth. It will trap dust better, instead of stirring it up into the air.⁷

The ALA also advises reducing the places where dust might be. You can:⁸

• Cover mattresses and pillows with anti-allergen covers.
• Remove clutter, such as stuffed animals and piles of clothing.
• Remove upholstered furniture. Or use furniture with smooth surfaces instead.
• Remove drapes and curtains.
• Replace carpets.

An air purifier can also help clear dust and other allergens from the air. Look for one with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. These have been shown to reduce airborne allergens like dust and pet dander.¹⁰

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Trigger 5: Humidity and mold

Do you live in a humid climate? That can also increase your risk of COPD and asthma flare-ups. Humid air can be harder to breathe. And, it can lead to mold in your home, which is another common asthma and COPD trigger.¹¹ Dampness and humidity can also attract dust mites, bugs and bacteria.

Solutions: The ALA advises that you keep the humidity levels in your home below 50%.¹¹ You can buy a hygrometer to measure the humidity in your home (they don’t cost much). Or see if your thermostat measures humidity. Air-conditioning and dehumidifiers can help lower humidity.

Since mold lives in damp places, it’s important to get rid of the source. That might include fixing:

• Leaks
• Plumbing issues
• Ventilation problems in rooms, such as bathrooms

You can clean mold off hard surfaces by scrubbing with soap and warm water. Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning mold. If you have mold covering a large area in your home (more than 10 square feet), you may need professional help to clean it.¹¹

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