Asthma is a lung disease characterized by inflamed, narrow airways. It can cause shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing and coughing. The inflamed airways are sensitive. Certain substances called triggers cause severe reactions in the airways, which can become more inflamed and have an increased production of mucus, narrowing them even more. When a trigger causes the symptoms of asthma to worsen, it is called an asthma attack. Some asthma triggers, such as pollen, are produced outdoors, although they can travel indoors on air currents. Other asthma triggers can be caused by biological agents such as dust mites, pets and cockroaches. But there are other products that are used indoors that can act as asthma triggers.
Tobacco
Cigarette smoke is a major indoor trigger of an asthma attack. Tobacco smoke could be introduced indoors by other methods of smoking, too. These include the smoking of cigars and smoking with a pipe.
Appliances
Appliances that burn fuel can produce nitrogen dioxide as a byproduct of the burning process. The nitrogen dioxide is an asthma trigger. Nitrogen dioxide has an irritating odor and is reddish-brown in color. The indoor appliances that fall into this category include gas stoves, furnaces that burn gas or oil, wood stoves, fireplaces, space heaters that burn gas and unvented kerosene heaters.
Chalk
Chalk dust can be a trigger for asthma. This can be a problem for children, because they could encounter chalk dust in schools. Teachers can alleviate this risk by using dry-erase marker boards.
Chemicals And Scents
Scented candles and scented cleaning products can be triggers of asthma attacks. Mothballs and room deodorizers are two other indoor products that can release chemicals and scents that can trigger asthma.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds are used in aerosol sprays and may trigger asthma attacks. Indoor products that may be aerosol-based include cleaners, disinfectants and air fresheners. Use ump-action spray products instead.
