As a chronic respiratory disease, the onset of asthma symptoms can occur in response to a variety of things. Allergy-induce asthma, for example, occurs when an allergen encounters the bronchial airways causing the characteristic constriction, breathing difficulty and wheezing of an asthma attack, according to MedlinePlus. Exercise and other irritants can also prove bothersome to asthmatics that do not have allergies. Nonetheless, asthma sufferers have an increased sensitivity to their environment where several triggers can cause an attack.
Biologic Allergens
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says that biologic allergens are abundant around the home, school and work environments. Mold, pollen, cat and dog dander, as well as dust mites are contributors to the onset of asthmatic symptoms. For example, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American reports that more than 20 million people within the United States are allergic to dust mites. These undetectable minuscule organisms trigger asthma causing the narrowing of bronchial airways and trouble breathing. Individuals with allergies to mold, pollen and animal dander also experience asthma symptoms upon introduction. Using an antihistamine helps to block histamine from releasing into the body in prevention of an asthma attack.
Pollution
Indoor and outdoor pollution contains irritating chemicals, such as sulfur, nitrogen and carbon oxides, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and also increase asthma mortality and morbidity rates. Pollutants such as metal and aldehydes released from industrial manufacturing also trigger asthmatic symptoms. The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology reports that air pollution inside and outside the home is responsible for the significant increase in asthma-related occurrences. Household cleansers, for example, release irritating chemicals into the air that can trigger wheezing, airway constriction and coughing.
Weather
Hot, humid air can start asthma symptoms whereas wet weather can encourage mold to grow causing secondary irritation, according to KidsHealth. In some regions, the combination of heat and sunlight with air pollutants can create a "ground-level ozone" detrimental to asthmatics. KidsHealth reported that during thunderstorms, asthma related emergency room visits increased by 15 percent due to the number of fungal spores circulating in the windy air. In addition, varying weather and barometric pressures can trigger asthma.
References
- MedlinePlus: Asthma
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM) Environmental Triggers of Asthma Environmental Factors
- The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Dust Mites
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Understanding Asthma
- KidsHealth: Can the Weather Affect Asthma?
