Asthma Triggers in Toddlers

Asthma has a gripping effect on a toddler's ability to enjoy daily activities. Certain triggers can bring on a sudden attack so it's always essential to have inhaler medicine on hand. Common triggers are cigarette smoke, environmental or pet-related allergies, intense emotions or respiratory infections. These triggers cause your child to have shortness of breath that could lead to a full-blown asthma attack.

Physical Activity

• Physical activity is a common asthma trigger in toddlers. When a child overexerts himself he becomes tired easily and his lungs end up working a lot harder. Small children do need physical activity to remain healthy, but children with asthma are vulnerable and should always be supervised.

Allergies

• The University of Maryland Medical Center website states that allergies to pollen, mold, weeds and dust mites are common asthma triggers in children and adults. Help prevent allergies by keeping your home clean and installing wood floors. Encase your child's mattress to prevent dust mite allergies. Mattress encasings are found online at allergy relief stores or in some department stores. Install a Hepa filtration system to keep the air clean in your home. However, controlling outdoor allergies is not as easy. Keep your child's inhaler with you everywhere you go and ask your child's doctor about allergy medications. Most allergies flare up and calm down with each season.

Cigarette Smoke

• The University of Maryland Medical Center lists cigarette smoke as another asthma trigger in children and adults. Quit smoking or keep your child away from people who smoke. Smoke can cause instant reactions and make it difficult for your child to breathe.

Emotions

• Emotions can also result in an asthma attack in toddlers. When a toddler gets upset, adrenaline runs through her body and her lungs become restricted. Her heart starts to pound and she may struggle to breathe. All toddlers get upset at one time or another so always keep medication handy and supervise your child at all times.

Respiratory Infections

• Respiratory infections can also trigger asthma attacks in toddlers. The lungs are not working as well when the body is fighting a cold. Your child may struggle to breathe and this can cause an attack. Watch your child closely when she is sick and limit her physical activity.

Perfumes

• According to the Children's Hospital Boston, perfumes can trigger asthma attacks in infants and children. Strong odors can irritate a child's lungs, resulting in a full-blown asthma attack. Avoid wearing perfumes or harsh scents that can cause problems. Parents who have asthmatic children may also want to avoid using harsh chemical cleaning products around the house. Instead, clean with steamers or natural-based products.