Asthma Trigger

Something that is an asthma trigger in one person may not be an asthma trigger in another person. Asthma triggers can include cigarette smoke, pollen, cold weather, dust mites, pet dander -- even cockroaches. It's important for people with asthma to avoid the specific asthma trigger or triggers that bring on or worsen their symptoms.

 

Asthma Trigger: An Overview

For someone with asthma, there are asthma triggers that can make asthma symptoms worse and lead to asthma attacks.
 
Some of the more common asthma triggers are exercise, allergens, irritants, and viral infections. Some people only have asthma with exercise or a viral infection. The following sections give some examples of asthma triggers. If you still have questions or require more information on asthma triggers after reading this article, be sure to talk to your doctor.
 

Allergens That May Function as Asthma Triggers

Common allergens that are known to be asthma triggers include:
 
  • Animal dander (from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals)
  • Dust mites (contained in house dust)
  • Cockroaches
  • Pollen from trees and grass
  • Mold (indoor and outdoor).
     

Irritants That May Be Asthma Triggers

Irritants that can trigger asthma include:
 
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Air pollution
  • Cold air or changes in weather
  • Strong odors from painting or cooking
  • Scented products
  • Strong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard) and stress.
     

Other Asthma Triggers

Other known asthma triggers include:
 
  • Medications such as aspirin and beta-blockers
  • Sulfites in food (dried fruit) or beverages (wine)
  • A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that causes heartburn and that can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night
  • Irritants or allergens that you may be exposed to in the workplace, such as special chemicals or dusts
  • Infections.
     
(Asthma Trigger Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD