Allergies Health Guide

All About Asthma

All About Asthma | Management of Asthma | Asthma Triggers

Asthma Triggers

What are the triggers that can cause an asthma attack?

According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and other organizations, triggers for asthma include:

Allergens

pollen
mold
animal protein (dander, urine, oil from skin)
house dust/dust mites
cockroaches
certain foods

Respiratory Infections and Sinusitis (chronic sinus infections)
Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and may precede an asthma attack.

Irritants

strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints, and varnishes
chemicals such as coal, chalk dust, or talcum powder
air pollutants
changing weather conditions, including changes in temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and strong winds
Chemical-exposure on the job, such as occupational vapors, dust, gases, or fumes.

Sensitivity to Medications

Sensitivity or allergies to medications such as aspirin and sulfites cause up to 20 percent of adult asthmatic attacks. These medications often include:

aspirin
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen
sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverage
Before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, talk with your physician.

Exercise

Exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and dry air. Long-term strenuous activities such as long distance running, are most likely to induce asthma, and swimming is the least likely.

Gastroesophageal reflux

GRD, or indigestion, a condition characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is common in individuals with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, or spitting up in infants.

Smoke

Tobacco smoke, whether directly or passively inhaled, has been shown to have harmful effects on the airways.

Wood smoke from wood-burning heating stoves and fireplaces can release irritating chemicals such as sulfur dioxide.

Emotional Anxiety and Nervous Stress

Reactions from stress and anxiety are considered to be more of an effect than a cause. They can cause fatigue, which may affect the immune system and, in turn, increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack.

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.