Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition marked by inflamed airways, making it difficult for patients to breathe during flare-ups. Common triggers include allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections, environmental pollution, physical activity, certain medications, weather changes, stress, and exposure to smoke. For effective asthma management, identify and avoid triggers, maintain a clean environment, reduce stress, and follow a personalized asthma action plan. Consulting with an trusted allergist can help individuals pinpoint specific triggers and develop tailored strategies to prevent asthma attacks and improve overall respiratory health.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflamed airways. During an asthma attack, the inflammation narrows the airways and affects lung function, making it difficult for the patient to breathe.
Patients with asthma know the fear of experiencing an asthma attack, whether at home, school, work, or out and about. In most cases, there are clear factors at play that cause the attack to occur. If you or someone you love has asthma, knowing potential triggers is key to effective management.
Take a look at these eight common triggers that can worsen a patient’s asthma symptoms:
1. Allergens
Allergens are one of the primary triggers of asthma. In fact, the majority of people who have asthma also suffer from allergies.
Common asthma-inducing allergens include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Certain foods
When exposed to these allergens, allergy-induced asthma patients can quickly develop inflammation and suffer constricted airways, leading to an asthma flare-up or attack.
2. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections like colds, flu, bronchitis, and even COVID-19 can significantly aggravate asthma symptoms. These infections increase inflammation and mucus production, making breathing even more difficult.
In addition to aggravating asthma, people, especially children, with no history of asthma can catch a respiratory virus and develop asthma either soon after infection or later in life. Oftentimes, these patients are also allergy patients and inherently susceptible to developing asthma—it’s just that the virus is the catalyst for its development. Other times, the patient has a family history of asthma and is genetically predisposed to developing it.
3. Environmental Pollution
Air pollution, including smoke, smog, exhaust fumes, and industrial pollutants (like harsh chemicals) can irritate an asthma patient’s airways and trigger an asthma attack. Even indoor pollution, such as fumes from cleaning agents or perfumes, has been known to exacerbate asthma.
4. Physical Activity
Exercise-induced asthma, or asthma that is triggered by strenuous physical activity, is common among asthma patients. Weightlifting and cardio, especially in cold or dry air, can provoke asthma symptoms. Proper warm-ups, medication management, and exercising in a controlled environment can help manage these symptoms.
5. Certain Medications
Some medications, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and beta-blockers, can trigger asthma symptoms for some people. If you or a loved one has asthma, always inform your healthcare provider about your condition when receiving new prescriptions.
6. Weather Changes
Rapid changes in temperature, humidity, or air pressure can trigger asthma attacks. Extremely cold or dry air is especially problematic as it causes airway irritation, inflammation, and constriction. Plus, drops in air pressure can allow smaller particles into the air, which can trigger an attack.
Along with weather-related air pressure changes, asthma patients on planes are also susceptible to an attack because of the change in air pressure.
7. Stress and Strong Emotions
Stress, anxiety, and strong emotions can impact breathing patterns and trigger asthma symptoms. Additionally, an imbalance of stress-related hormones and the axis that produces and regulates them may cause airway constriction, which worsens symptoms.
8. Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly worsen asthma. Smoke is a pollutant that irritates the airways, increases inflammation, and reduces lung function, making it harder to control asthma.
In addition to cigarette smoke, asthma patients may also be triggered by:
- Campfire smoke
- Smoke from a grill
- House fire smoke
- Cigar smoke
- Vaping*
*While technically it does not produce smoke, vaping can irritate the lungs and airways all the same, triggering asthma.
Managing Your Asthma Triggers
To effectively manage your asthma, it’s essential to recognize and avoid your triggers. Consider the following:
- Get tested for allergies: Allergy testing allows you to identify allergens that are troublesome to you.
- Maintain a clean indoor environment: Keeping your home free of dust, pet dander, pollen, smoke, and other pollutants or irritants that can trigger asthma.
- Avoid tobacco smoke: One of the best things you can do for your asthma and health overall is to either quit smoking or never start, and avoid those who do smoke.
- Manage stress: Effectively managing your stress can help reduce the threat of surprising or out-of-the-blue attacks.
- Create and follow an asthma action plan: Partner with a trusted allergist to develop an action plan for your asthma. Follow the asthma action plan to reduce attacks and minimize symptoms.
If your asthma frequently flares up or you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, schedule an appointment with your allergist to identify your specific triggers and tailor a treatment plan that helps you breathe easier.
Reduce asthma flare-ups and breathe with confidence when you partner with Langford Allergy.
Dr. Langford, Dr. Mathew, and our team of asthma specialists offer specialized care and treatment to all asthma patients, from pediatric patients to those well into adulthood. We create individualized and effective treatment and management plans that mitigate asthma attacks and encourage stronger, better breathing at any stage of life.
Schedule an asthma appointment today: 478-787-4728
Langford Allergy delivers allergy, asthma, and immunodeficiency care to patients throughout Middle Georgia, including:
- Bonaire, GA
- Byron, GA
- Forsyth, GA
- Fort Valley, GA
- Gray, GA
- Macon, GA
- Milledgeville, GA
- Perry, GA
- Warner Robins, GA
And other surrounding areas.
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