ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Environmental triggers

Hello, dear child! Today, we will learn about environmental triggers. Have you ever found yourself sneezing or coughing when you're around a specific smell or place? That could be because of environmental triggers.

Environmental triggers are things in our environment that can cause a reaction in our body. These can be things like pollen from plants, pet dander, cigarette smoke, or even certain foods. When our bodies react to these triggers, it can cause things like sneezing, coughing, or even difficulty breathing.

For example, let's say you're outside playing in the park, and suddenly your nose starts to itch, your eyes start to water, and you can't stop sneezing. This could be because you are allergic to the pollen from the flowers in the park, and they are triggering a reaction in your body.

Other triggers could be things in your home, like dust or mold, or even certain cleaning products or air fresheners. These things can irritate the lungs or cause allergies, making it difficult to breathe or even causing asthma attacks.

So, what can we do about these triggers? It's important to try and avoid them if we can. For example, if you know that you are allergic to pollen, try to stay inside when the pollen count is high, and avoid going to places with lots of flowers or plants.

In the home, we can try to keep things clean and free of dust or mold. Using natural cleaning products can also help reduce the chance of a reaction.

In conclusion, environmental triggers are things in our environment that can cause a reaction in our bodies, leading to things like sneezing, coughing, and even difficulty breathing. By avoiding these triggers and keeping things clean, we can help to reduce the chances of a reaction.