Asthma occurs when the respiratory passages are inflamed and constricted. The constriction occurs due to both the release of mucus and the tightening of muscles. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Asthma attacks are caused by different triggers in different individuals, and patients may respond to only one or a combination of triggers.
Exercise
Exercise-induce asthma is also known as exercise-induced bronchospasm. Asthma symptoms caused by exertion can include tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Symptoms can begin during exercise or arise even after ceasing exercise. Individuals with exercise-induced asthma may also respond to other asthma triggers. Cold, dry air and poor air quality can increase the likelihood of physical activity leading to an asthma attack.
Irritants
Exposure to irritants in the environment such as chemicals and dust can lead to asthma symptoms for some asthma patients. When these irritants are regularly present in the workplace, this type of asthma is referred to as occupational asthma. Symptoms resemble those of exercise-induced asthma, but can also include runny nose and eye irritation. For some individual, symptoms arise immediately after initial exposure to an irritant, while other people may be exposed for months or even years before having problems.
Cold and Flu
Respiratory infections can lead to asthma symptoms, and those symptoms can last for days or even weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, colds and flu are common causes of asthma attacks, particularly for children.
Menstrual Cycle
According to Dr. James T. Li, an asthma and allergy specialist with the Mayo Clinic, almost half of asthmatic women have an increase in symptoms during their period. The decrease in progesterone and estrogen may be responsible for this relationship. An increase or change in medication may be needed to relieve increased symptoms.
Airborne Allergens
Many asthmatics have symptoms that are triggered or worsened by exposure to allergens such as pet dander, mold, dust mites and pollen. Eliminating or regularly cleaning carpets can reduce the presence of allergens in the home, provided that the cleaning process removes the allergens rather than dispersing them into the air.
