“If asthma or allergies run in your family, your children are at risk for asthma,” says Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla, director of allergy and immunology clinical services at Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Examples of substances in the air that can cause an attack include smoke, dust, chemicals and pet dander. As a parent, you can help reduce these factors. Here are some tips:

• Declare war on dust mites. These microscopic, spiderlike creatures hide in carpeting, mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys and curtains, often causing year-round allergic reactions. Help limit dust mites by getting rid of carpeting; covering pillows, mattresses and box springs with airtight covers; and washing your child’s pillow weekly. If stuffed toys are a must, wash them monthly in hot water. If needed, use a dehumidifier; humidity favors dust mite growth.
• Think twice before getting a pet. If the patient with asthma has known pet allergies, these pets should not be kept in the home.
• Snuff out secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke increases breathing problems. If you can’t quit smoking, reduce your child’s health risks by smoking outside and having others do the same.
• Filter out pollutants. Central HEPA filters may help to decrease allergen levels in the home. Room filtration devices are helpful for tobacco smoke and possibly pet dander, but they are not efficient at decreasing dust mite allergen levels.