Understanding some of the lesser-known triggers for asthma attacks and watching for signs that an asthma attack is starting can help parents and their children with asthma better manage the disease. Armed with knowledge, the children may be able to spend more carefree summer days outside than they thought was possible.

Dr. Edward Brooks, director of the Children's Asthma Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch, offers the following lesser-known triggers, warning signs and management techniques:

• Scents don't make sense for children with asthma. Air fresheners, detergent and scented candles are common aggravators and should be not be used in the home.

• Rethink house cleaning. Common household cleaning supplies, paints and other products release volatile organic compounds that can trigger asthma.

• Air pollutants come in many forms. In addition to the above, secondhand tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, and combustion sources at home (candles, incense, stoves, space heaters, fireplaces, barbecue pits) all produce byproducts (i.e., nitrogen dioxide and particulates) that can worsen or induce asthma. Exposure to these should be avoided -- either by not using them or by improving ventilation.

• Meteorologists can help predict bad asthma days. Ozone, pollen, mold and other air pollutants aggravate asthma. Seasonal weather changes or sudden shifts, such as a severe storm, are known to worsen asthma. Stay one step ahead by checking local weather forecasts and be prepared for days where conditions are unfavorable. The up-to-date air quality index for southwestern Pennsylvania can be seen at www.post-gazette.com/healthscience/health.asp.

• Ease in to exercise. Teach children to start with a slow warmup with 5 to 10 minutes of walking or other light activity and stretching before exercise to prevent asthma attacks.

• Wash away the triggers. The impact of triggers like allergens and viruses can be minimized with frequent and effective hand-washing.

• Don't write off that cough! If asthma is the suspected cause of an unhealthy sounding cough, consult a physician. If possible, seek the expertise of a respiratory therapist or pulmonologist. The doctor will work with the family to develop an individual asthma plan and prescribe appropriate medications.

• Help your child be a good sport! All children can and should want to play and be active; if yours is making excuses to stay inside, it could be asthma. Other warning signs are so mild, you may not realize they're related to asthma at all, such as increased thirst, headaches, or mood changes.

• Build an asthma team. Give camp counselors, coaches and other adults responsible for your child a copy of their asthma management plan. In addition to providing details about your child's individual warning signs, the plan tells them what medications to use to prevent asthma, how to administer them and what to do if your child has an asthma episode.

• Attack asthma before asthma attacks. Administer proper medications at the first sign of a runny nose or cough. Taking preventative measures can keep asthma from becoming more serious.Check weather forecasts and prepare for days where conditions are unfavorable.