Asthma is a breathing impairment that occurs when the bronchial airways are inflamed or constricted. The Asthma Society of Canada defines asthma as being a "chronic inflammatory disease." An asthma attack is characterized by having trouble breathing, feeling a tightness in the chest, wheezing when trying to breathe, and coughing. The disease's symptoms range in severity--some people may not have an attack for years, while others have them daily. Asthma can be triggered by a number of different factors ranging from pollens in the air to very emotional situations.
Animals
Animals and their by-products are a common trigger of asthma attacks. House pets such as dogs and cats, as well as smaller animals like gerbils and hamsters, leave behind flakes of skin (called dander), as well as fur, saliva and droppings, all of which can irritate the airways in an asthmatic person. Insects sometimes found in the home, such as cockroaches, may also trigger attacks, and should be removed by a pest control professional.
Air Irritants
"Air irritants" is a broad term that includes many different elements that can bring on an asthma attack. Scented candles, air freshener sprays and perfumes wafting through the air may trigger asthma symptoms in some people. A high pollen count in the spring or fall is also a common trigger. Smoke, both in the air and from tobacco products, as well as smog can also result in asthma attacks.
Exercise
Strenuous exercise can induce asthma, especially if a person jogs or plays sports outside in cold air. Most people who have asthma should be able to participate in daily exercise without the threat of an attack. Exercise-induced asthma is usually a sign that the asthma is not being managed as well as it should be, and may require a trip to the doctor to adjust medications.
Emotions
Stress and heavy emotion can be a trigger, giving new meaning to feeling "choked up" by emotion. As with asthma attacks that stem from exercise, emotional situations that produce asthma attacks tend to mean that it may be time to reassess management tools. Adjusting medications and finding new coping mechanisms for a person's emotions may be able to put an end to this particular trigger.
