The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that approximately 20 million Americans--including 9 million children--have asthma. With this disease, the airways episodically constrict causing wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Different substances or events called triggers can bring on an asthma attack. Knowing your asthma triggers can help you avoid attacks and minimize the effects of the disorder on your daily life.
Environmental Allergies
Allergies are a contributing factor for most people with asthma. Inhaling a substance to which you are allergic can trigger an attack. People with allergy-related asthma can be sensitive to different things, but some allergic triggers are common. Dust mites, pollen and mold are common allergic asthma triggers. Dog and cat allergies can also trigger asthma attacks. Contrary to popular belief, the fur of the animal is not the trigger; the skin cells (dander), urine and saliva of the animals most commonly cause an allergic reaction. Pet birds may trigger asthma attacks caused by an allergy to their feathers. Cockroaches and rodents are other common allergic asthma triggers.
Food and Preservative Allergies
Food allergies may trigger asthma attacks. In addition, some people are allergic to a type of food preservative called a sulfiting agent. Sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite and sulfur dioxide are examples of sulfiting agents. Be aware that some medications also contain sulfiting agents. If you are allergic to these chemicals, be sure to read food labels and ask your pharmacist about the presence of sulfiting agents in any medications you may purchase.
Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is a trigger for most asthmatics. For some people, tobacco smoke is an allergic trigger. The remnants of tobacco smoke on clothing can be sufficient to trigger an asthma attack. Even among people who are not allergic to tobacco smoke, it is still often a trigger because it is an airway irritant. People with asthma should avoid all contact with tobacco smoke.
Indoor Chemicals and Pollutants
Many household chemicals can trigger asthma attacks. Perfumes, scented candles or air fresheners, cleaning products, scented laundry detergent or fabric softener, glue, paint and cooking fumes can be triggers. Wood or gas stoves, fireplaces and gas or kerosene heaters can cause high levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air. This chemical can be an asthma trigger.
Medications
Medications can be asthma triggers. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are common offenders. Drugs called beta-blockers, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can also trigger asthma attacks.
Occupational Irritants
Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can be a significant asthma trigger for many people. The list of possible chemical irritants is long, reflecting the many different types of chemicals in various industries. Some common offending agents include cleaners, mineral dust, isocyanates, solvents, hydrocarbons, polymers, wood dust and metal salts.
Stress and Anxiety
Unhealthy levels of stress, anxiety and emotional distress may trigger asthma attacks in some people. In asthma--as in many other conditions--mental and physical health go hand-in-hand.
References
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Asthma
- Clinical Science: A New Look at the Pathogenesis of Asthma
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Important Asthma Triggers
- Environmental Protection Agency: Indoor Environmental Asthma Triggers
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Asthma Triggers and Management
