Asthma is best known for its dramatic attacks of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, though there are also milder forms, according to MedlinePlus. The inflammatory reaction that is asthma can be triggered in a number of different ways. Understanding the causes of mild asthma can help patients make intelligent treatment choices and lifestyle modifications to manage their symptoms most appropriately.
Allergies
Allergies are a leading cause of mild asthma symptoms. According to the website KidsHealth, 75 to 85 percent of individuals with asthma have an allergy of some kind in conjunction with the disorder, since the same histamine response that leads to sneezing can also set off the right cues to trigger mild asthma. MedlinePlus notes that allergy testing can help those with mild asthma to identify symptom triggers.
Medications
The Asthma and Allergy Information and Research website notes that beta-blockers can cause mild asthma, although they are not the only medication that can cause asthmatic symptoms: MedlinePlus reports that aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause mild asthma in some individuals.
Environmental Irritants
MedlinePlus notes that environmental irritants can cause symptoms of mild asthma. These irritants can include environmental pollution, fumes from nearby fires or gas stoves, and tobacco smoke. Smoking and inhaling secondhand smoke are not differentiated when it comes to mild asthma triggers.
Climate Changes
Sudden shifts in air temperature can also cause mild asthma. Asthma and Allergy Information and Research notes that this is especially true for those moving from warm to cold environments.
Emotional Stress
Emotional stress is a cause of mild asthma, and Asthma and Allergy Information and Research notes that individuals may notice greater severity in their asthmatic symptoms while they are upset.
Exercise
KidsHealth notes that many children experience asthma symptoms only after exercising, and that this condition can persist into adulthood. The additional strain on the lungs as a result of exercise is the trigger for the asthma, according to Asthma and Allergy Information and Research.
