- Understanding the Asthma Symptoms That Triggers Set Off
- Bodily Changes From Triggers for Asthma
- Quick Overview of Triggers
Common Asthma Triggers
Asthma triggers are often separated into indoor triggers and outdoor triggers. Outdoor triggers tend to be allergens found outside the home, such as pollen and mold spores. Indoor triggers are allergens or irritants that are commonly found in the home or work environment.
Allergens—These triggers are things that set off an allergic response. Examples are pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. Allergies are closely linked with asthma. In fact, they are a risk factor for asthma, and the most common type of asthma is allergic asthma.
Irritants—When you have asthma, your airways have a constant level of inflammation. That makes them even more sensitive to irritating odors or fumes in your environment. Some sources refer to this as having "twitchy" airways, but that's not really accurate. In reality, your airways are just more irritable and sensitive when you have asthma; they don't "twitch." But they do overreact to irritants more easily. When you have occupational asthma, it is often irritants that are the culprit in triggering your asthma symptoms.
Food Allergies—Foods can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. In those cases, part of the allergic reaction may include asthma symptoms. So, in that way, food becomes another asthma trigger.
Other Asthma Triggers
The most common triggers are allergens and irritants. But other factors can trigger asthma symptoms too.
Medications can sometimes trigger allergic responses that include asthma symptoms too. As with food, an individual can be allergic to almost ANY medicine, but the following medicines are known to be common triggers in many people:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs for short), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others
- Beta blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, and glaucoma
- Antibiotics, which are used for infections
When you have asthma, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any new medication, including over-the-counter medicines you buy without a prescription.
In some people, other diseases or illnesses can trigger asthma symptoms too. For instance, there is a known link between reflux diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma. Viral respiratory infections can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. This includes infections such as colds or viral pneumonia, and are especially likely in young children.
Exercise, especially intense exercise, is also a known asthma trigger. This condition is called "exercise-induced asthma," or EIA for short. Exercise does not trigger asthma symptoms in every person with asthma, but when it does, look for symptoms to develop within 15 to 20 minutes after exercise. The good news is, EIA is very treatable.
Emotional factors and stress are sometimes linked to asthma too. Actually, emotional anxiety or stress alone cannot trigger asthma symptoms. However, they can increase the likelihood that your symptoms will be triggered by other factors. This is because stress can lower your overall wellness and ability to resist illness and disease. When you manage your stress, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest, your body will be in better shape to deal with the many environmental triggers you encounter.
Managing Asthma Triggers
Now that you know more about the kinds of things that can act as asthma triggers, your next step is to learn all you can about managing your asthma triggers:Step 1 — Identify Your Personal Triggers: One way to identify which particular factors are your personal triggers is to start keeping an asthma diary to track your asthma symptoms. If you want to be even more certain about your triggers, then consult with an allergist or pulmonologist about having allergy testing.
Step 2 — Avoid Your Asthma Triggers: The next step in managing your triggers is to work to avoid them. Preventing symptoms even while on vacation can make a big difference and is worth the effort. Eliminating secondhand smoke in the home is another important step in neutralizing asthma triggers.
Finally, one of the best ways to eliminate the power that triggers may have over you is to gradually dilute your sensitivity to them via immunotherapy, or allergy shots, as they are more commonly known. Talk with your doctor if you are interested in learning more about that option.
Sources: AAAAI, "Tips to Remember: Asthma triggers and management." American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. 2006. AAAAI. 14 Jun 2007 <http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmatriggersandmgmt.stm>.
Asthma Society of Canada, "Common Asthma Triggers." Asthma Society of Canada. 2006. Asthma Society of Canada. 15 Jun 2007 < http://www.asthma.ca/adults/about/triggers.php>.
American Lung Association, "Controlling Asthma Triggers." American Lung Association. 2006. American Lung Association. 15 Jun 2007 <http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35622>.
