Asthma TriggersAn asthma trigger is a thing, activity or condition that makes asthma worse. When you come in contact with a trigger it can cause a sudden worsening of symptoms which is often called an asthma attack, episode or flare-up.
Common asthma triggers include respiratory infections, allergens, irritants, exercise, and emotions. Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step to controlling your asthma. Allergy testing may help you identify your triggers. Your health care provider can help you recognize what makes your asthma worse, and help find simple solutions to reduce and avoid asthma triggers. Use this tool, the Asthma Trigger House, to find and learn about common asthma triggers in a home. There are four rooms in our house to visit. Click on an item in the room to learn if it is a trigger and how to avoid or reduce the trigger. 
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Medical Conditions
Respiratory Infections, such as a cold, flu, or sinus infection, are the most common cause of asthma symptoms leading to an asthma flare-up. Frequent hand washing and avoiding people who are sick will help to reduce your exposure to cold and flu. But, the best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year. To find a flu vaccine near you, visit the Flu Vaccine Finder. Medical conditions such as Acid Reflux can also worsen asthma symptoms.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Respiratory Infections (colds, flu, sinus infections) • Pregnancy hormones • Acid Reflux |
Food & Medicines
Asthma can be triggered by food allergies as well as medicines. Discuss any over-the-counter or prescription medicines you take such as aspirin, fever-reducers or anti-inflammatories with your health care provider, along with any alternative therapies or herbal remedies that may have an impact on your asthma.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Common food allergies (peanuts and shellfish) • Aspirin • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
Smoke
All types of smoke can make it hard to breathe – including smoke from cigarettes, wood burning fireplaces, burning leaves. If you smoke, you should make a plan to quit. If you don’t smoke, but live with someone who does, discuss ways to avoid or limit your exposure to tobacco smoke. The American Lung Association offers many ways to help smokers quit. Contact the American Lung Association Lung HelpLine at 1-800-586-4872 to speak with a smoking cessation counselor.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Cigarette, cigar or pipe smoke • Fireplace, campfire or leaf burning smoke |
Weather, Pollen, & Air Pollution
Changes in the season can bring on an asthma episode due to increasedpollen in the air. Limit your time outdoors during high pollen times of the year such as spring and fall. Also, extreme temperatures (hot and cold) can trigger symptoms of asthma. Be prepared for the weather before you leave your home by checking the pollen count and air quality index.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Cold, windy, stormy weather • Sudden or extreme temperature changes • High humidity • Weeds, trees, grass • Air pollution, smog, vehicle exhaust and fumes |
Animals
Dander and saliva from animals with fur or feathers can be an allergen for some and can cause asthma symptoms. Reduce your exposure to pet allergens by vacuuming and damp dusting weekly. Try to keep your pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a lot of time.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Birds • Cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, Guinea pigs, bunnies or mice |
Pests
Pests in the home, workplace or school can impact your asthma. To reduce your exposure to these triggers, wash bedding regularly, fix leaks, store garbage outside, vacuum and dust weekly, as well as using allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Dust mites • Cockroaches • Rodents such as mice and rats |
Mold
Mold is an allergen that can trigger asthma symptoms. You can reduce your exposure to mold by cleaning visible mold, throwing away moldy items, running a dehumidifier and using the exhaust fan when taking a shower. Clean mold with mild soap, how water and a strong brush.
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Exercise
Staying active is very important to your overall health and wellbeing, especially for those with asthma. If you have exercise causes asthma symptoms, use your quick-relief medicine 15 – 30 minutes before physical activity if prescribed. Remember to monitor the air quality if you plan to exercise outside.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Walking, climbing stairs • Intense exercise • Sports • Swimming |
Emotions
Every day comes with its ups and down emotionally. It’s important to remember that strong emotions can increase rapid breathing and trigger asthma symptoms. Stress, both personal and work-related, can be a major trigger as well.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Laughing or crying too hard • Feeling stressed or anxious • Anger • Fear • Yelling |
Strong Odors
Scents from perfumes, deoderants, and cleaning supplies can affect a person with asthma. When possible, choose cleaning and personal care products that are odor and fragrance-free.
TRIGGER EXAMPLES • Cleaning products • Gas Stoves • Scented candles and incense • Hairspray • Air fresheners • Personal care products |
Source: Information for triggers are from the American Lung Association - Click for orginal
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Asthma Coalition of Erie, Monroe & Niagara Counties is a program of the American Lung Association and made possible by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
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