The Top Triggers That Set Off Asthma Attacks
Here are 7 of the most common things that can cause asthma symptoms to flare.
If you have asthma, one of the best ways to better manage your condition is to steer clear of triggers that may cause you to have an asthma attack. It’s also important to be prepared to treat your asthma at any time, because you don’t always know when something will cause it to flare.
“Asthma triggers vary among individuals, and people react differently to them,” says Nurse Practitioner Priya King MSN. However, certain triggers are commonly reported. Understanding your own reactions to these triggers and proactively avoiding them can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing an asthma flare-up. Keep in mind that asthma symptoms may not always occur immediately after exposure to a trigger. In some cases, you may have a delayed response.
7 Common Asthma Triggers
- Air pollution/irritants – What you breathe in from the air is another common asthma trigger. Air pollution is one culprit, and one that you likely have little control over (other than staying indoors on days when there’s a lot of smog or high ozone levels). Your asthma may also be triggered if you’re around people who are smoking or you’re near a wood fire or charcoal grill. Strong smells in the air also commonly trigger asthma, including fumes from paint, gasoline, cleaners, chemicals, perfumes, or scented products.
- Allergies – One of the most common triggers of asthma is exposure to allergens. Whether you’re allergic to pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander, anything that triggers your allergies may also cause you to have asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
- Exercise/physical activity – Any activity that makes you breathe harder can affect your asthma, but it’s best not to avoid all activity because you have the condition. In fact, getting regular physical activity is not only good for your general health, but can improve your asthma. You may have to adjust your asthma treatment before or after activity or vary the type and intensity of the activity, so talk to your healthcare provider if your asthma is triggered by exercise.
- Medications – If you take certain medications and find that your asthma is more difficult to control, talk to your doctor. Some medicines which may trigger symptoms include beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Respiratory illnesses – If you have any type of respiratory illness or infection, from the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19, it can irritate your airways and trigger asthma symptoms. It is best to treat any illnesses you have as quickly and effectively as possible and to be prepared in case your asthma flares.
- Strong emotions – It may not seem like your feelings can affect a condition as complex as asthma, but they can. If you are experiencing strong emotions, whether you’re angry, scared, excited, surprised, happy, or sad, it can cause changes in your breathing. Any time changes occur in how you breathe, it may trigger symptoms in someone with asthma.
- Weather – Dry cold air has been known to bring on asthma attacks. Some people experience breathing difficulty if it is very warm and humid. Sudden changes in temperature or weather conditions may also be a trigger.
If you or your child experiences coughing, wheezing, or other asthmatic symptoms when exposed to certain triggers, speak to your primary care provider. If you need to find a primary care provider visit PIHHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor
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