During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, constricted and start to swell. Breathing becomes difficult and coughing may occur. Asthma attacks are triggered by a variety of factors. Triggers that cause an asthma attack in one individual may not cause an asthma attack in another. Still, there are some asthma triggers that are more common than others.
Medication
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs and beta blockers are three groups of drugs that can induce or trigger an asthma attack according to the book "Asthma Care in the Community" by Jill Waldron. Beta blockers are used to treat glaucoma, hypertension and heart disease. They affect the lungs by preventing the airways from dilating or opening up. This causes an asthmatic person to have difficulty breathing.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are common asthma triggers. They are tiny, sightless insects that are found in places where dust can accumulate such as mattresses, upholstered furniture and carpets. Dust mites cannot be seen with the naked eyes, but they produce droppings that trigger asthma attacks in people who are susceptible to them.
Mold
Mold is another common asthma trigger according to the Harvard Medical School and Christopher H. Fanta, authors of "What to Do When the Doctor Says It's Asthma: Everything You Need To Know About Medicines, Allergies, Food, and Exercise to Breathe More Easily Every Day." Mold can grow in damp areas found inside a home such as the basement, bathrooms and around the kitchen. Individuals who are asthmatic may be allergic to mold and experience asthma symptoms when they come in contact with it.
Pollen
Plants such as tress, weeds, grasses and flowering plants reproduce through pollen production. Insects and the wind transfer pollen from plant to plant. Pollen is powdery in nature and has the ability to trigger off an asthma attack when inhaled. It is produced in the spring, summer and fall according to Paul J. Hannaway and Paul Hannaway in the book "Adult Asthma: Your Guide to Breathing Easier." There is more pollen in the air during hot, dry, windy days and less of them when its cold, damp and rainy.
Smoke
Smoke from sources such as cigarettes, candles, incense, wood stoves and fireplaces can irritate the airways. Smoke is a common asthma trigger that affects patients who are sensitive to it.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are insects that are nocturnal in nature, even though they may be seen in the daytime. Cockroach droppings, eggs, saliva and body parts contain allergens that can trigger asthma attacks.
References
- "What to Do When the Doctor Says It's Asthma: Everything You Need To Know About Medicines, Allergies, Food, and Exercise to Breathe More Easily Every Day"; Paul J. Hannaway, Paul Hannaway; 2004
- "Adult Asthma: Your Guide to Breathing Easier"; Harvard Medical School, Christopher H. Fanta; 2005
- "Asthma Care in the Community"; Jill Waldron; 2007
