When adults hear a wheezing sound with their breathing, it may indicate a problem with asthma. Asthma attacks may be very brief or may last for several days, according to the National Institutes of Health. During an asthma attack the linings of airways to the lungs swell. This blocks the passage of air and may lead to an asthma attack that is life-threatening.
Intense Emotional State
An intense emotional state may cause an asthma attack. If a person gets extremely stressed due to an emotional incident or discussion, he may begin to hyperventilate. The extreme emotion and rapid breathing may then spark an asthma attack.
Clutter
Clutter and lack of cleanliness in the home may lead to an upsurge in dust mites. These mites may cause asthma attacks. Regular cleaning and avoidance of the use of down-filled products in the bedroom will cut down on problems with dust mites.
Smoke
Smoke in the air may cause an asthma attack. The smoke may come from a fire going on outside or it may come from someone smoking inside. It is crucial that the home of an asthma patient remain smoke free. Breathing in secondhand smoke will aggravate the lungs of an asthma patient and may spark an asthma attack.
Chemicals in Food
Chemicals in commercial, processed foods may trigger an asthma attack. There are many chemicals in commercial foods. They may cause a patient with asthma to experience a sudden attack and not understand why it occurred. For example, the sulfites in foods (sulphur dioxide and sodium metabisulphite) may trigger an asthma attack. They are found in canned fish, dried fruit, wine and fruit juice, according to the Australian government's Better Health Channel. Also, salicylates may cause problems for asthma patients too. They are found in tomato sauce, beer, honey and instant coffee.
Aspirin & NSAIDs
Asthma attacks may start with the use of aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). It is not yet known why these drugs induce asthma attacks, but a link between their use and asthma attacks has been discovered, notes the Better Health Channel.
Pollution
Air pollution causes asthma attacks. Environmental toxins in the air and automobile exhaust fumes sometimes make the air dangerous for asthma patients.
Exercise
Exercise may induce an asthma attack. Exercise sessions that are particularly rigorous may bring on an asthma attack.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches often spark an asthma attack. These insects leave droppings that contaminate the air.
Pets
Loose hair or dander in the air from pets may cause an asthma attack, according to the CDC. Having a pet in the bedroom may increase the incidence of asthma attacks.
Weather Changes
Weather variations may spark an asthma attack. An asthma patient may experience an attack during thunderstorms, very cold temperatures and in higher than usual humidity.
Mold
Mold in a house often occurs in hidden places, especially if a home has high levels of humidity in the air. Mold is a known trigger of asthma attacks.
