There are various triggers that aggravate asthma and may bring on symptoms. Many people with asthma are affected by various combinations of these triggers. Through the Healthy Children, Healthy Homes^® project, we teach children the easy-to-remember acronym "CANTA" to describe some key asthma triggers.

Tips to manage the triggers

In Spanish, the word "CANTA" can be translated to mean "you sing" — and you need air in your lungs to sing. Kids with asthma can sing when they avoid asthma triggers and aren't having an asthma episode. So, remember "CANTA" to reduce exposure to these troubling triggers:

C is for Cockroaches — one of the greatest indoor triggers of asthma. The protein on their shells, their saliva and their droppings can trigger asthma episodes.

A is for Animals — fur and feathers on pets is another major trigger.

N is for No Dust — dust and dust mites are a big indoor asthma trigger, so reducing dust in the home can make a big impact.

T is for Tobacco — smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes is also a major trigger for asthma.

A is for Always Outside — because smoke and tobacco are such powerful triggers, they should always be outside the home.

Other asthma triggers include:

• Cold, flu, bronchitis or sinus infections
• Sensitivity to certain medications
• Certain foods and food additives
• Strenuous exercise
• Strong emotions such as crying or laughing hard
• External irritants such as pollen, pollution or cold or humid weather
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)