Helping You Breathe Easier
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Understanding what triggers your asthma and learning how to manage these triggers can help you control your symptoms and lead a healthier life.
10 Asthma Triggers
1. Allergens
Common allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold can trigger asthma symptoms. To manage these triggers, try to keep your living space clean, use air purifiers and avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.
2. Smoke
Tobacco smoke, wood smoke and even smoke from burning candles can irritate the airways and cause asthma flare-ups. The best way to manage this trigger is to avoid exposure to smoke, including quitting smoking if you do and asking others not to smoke around you.
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3. Cold Air
Cold, dry air can cause the airways to tighten, leading to asthma symptoms. When it's cold outside, wear a scarf over your nose and mouth to warm the air before you breathe it in.
4. Exercise
Exercise-induced asthma occurs when physical activity triggers symptoms. To manage this, warm up before exercising, choose activities that are less likely to trigger symptoms (like swimming) and use a rescue inhaler before starting your workout if recommended by your doctor.
5. Air Pollution
Air pollution, including car exhaust, industrial emissions and smog, can worsen asthma. On days when air quality is poor, stay indoors with windows closed, use an air conditioner and avoid outdoor exercise.
6. Respiratory Infections
Colds, flu and other respiratory infections can trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse. To reduce your risk, wash your hands often, get a flu shot and avoid close contact with sick people.
7. Stress and Strong Emotions
Stress, anxiety and strong emotions can lead to shallow or rapid breathing, which might trigger asthma. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or yoga to help manage stress.
8. Certain Medications
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and beta-blockers can trigger asthma in some people. If you notice your asthma symptoms worsening after taking certain medications, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
9. Food Additives
Sulfites, commonly found in foods like dried fruits, wine and some processed foods, can trigger asthma in sensitive individuals. Check food labels and try to avoid these additives if they cause your symptoms.
10. Fragrances and Strong Odors
Perfumes, cleaning products and strong odors can irritate the airways and trigger asthma. Opt for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products and ventilate your home well to avoid buildup of odors.
How to Manage Asthma Triggers
- Identify your triggers: Keep a journal to track your symptoms and identify what triggers your asthma. This will help you avoid or manage these triggers more effectively.
- Create an asthma action plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized asthma action plan. This plan should include what to do on a daily basis, how to manage symptoms and when to seek emergency care.
- Use inhalers correctly: Make sure you know how to use your rescue inhaler and controller inhaler correctly. Your doctor or pharmacist can show you the proper technique to ensure you get the right dose of medication.
- Stay informed: Be aware of your local air quality, pollen counts and weather conditions that could affect your asthma. Apps and websites can provide real-time updates to help you plan your day.
- Take care of your health: Regular exercise, a healthy diet and managing stress can help keep your asthma under control. Also, stay up-to-date with vaccines, especially the flu shot, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Asthma Treatment Options
Short-Acting Bronchodilators
Also known as rescue inhalers, these medications quickly relax the muscles around the airways to ease breathing during an asthma attack.
Long-Acting Bronchodilators
These are used daily to keep asthma under control and prevent symptoms. They are often combined with inhaled corticosteroids.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
These anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling in the airways, making them less sensitive to triggers. They are commonly used as a long-term control treatment.
Leukotriene Modifiers
These oral medications reduce the body’s production of leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation in the airways. They are usually taken daily to prevent symptoms.
Biologics
Biologic medications target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. These are typically used for severe asthma that doesn’t respond well to other treatments.
Allergy Treatments
If allergies are a significant trigger for your asthma, allergy shots or medications like antihistamines may help reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
Asthma Alert
Understanding and managing asthma triggers is key to keeping your symptoms under control. By avoiding common triggers like allergens, smoke and strong odors, and by following a treatment plan, you can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Always work with your healthcare provider to ensure you have the right tools and medications to manage your asthma effectively.
