Top 10 Asthma Triggers

Asthma is an allergic condition and is made worse by certain triggers. Everyone’s triggers may be different but it is important to try and recognize and avoid your triggers to prevent inflammation of the airways as much as possible.

1. Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is sometimes called environmental smoke. It is one of the most common asthma triggers. If you are asthmatic you should not be smoking and should avoid other people’s smoke as far as possible. Make your home and car smoke-free zones and ask other people to smoke outside.

2. Dust Mites

These are another common trigger and are difficult to eliminate completely. Mite resistant bedding is available, or you can use special mattress and pillow covers. Clean sofas and chairs regularly, preferably with an anti allergen vacuum cleaner.

3. Pets

Pets can cause serious allergic reactions, including asthma attacks. If your family pet is a trigger for your asthma or the asthma of someone else in your house, the best thing to do is to find it another home. That’s a tough thing to do, though so if you can’t, you need to make sure that cleaning is done frequently and that your pet is washed at least once a week.

4. Mold

Mold is very common as an asthma trigger. There are many products that can help eliminate mold. Make sure water isn’t coming into your property and if you have damp due to condensation or humidity then consider using a dehumidifier to reduce it and prevent mold forming.

5. Pest Infestations

Pests such as cockroaches and their droppings can cause problems for asthma sufferers. Pests need food and water to survive so if you remove their source of nutrition they will be less likely to come back.

6. The Weather

Breathing cold air is a major asthma trigger. Putting a scarf over your mouth might help a little. Some studies have indicated that asthma attacks increase prior to electrical storms too.

7. Exercise

Sometimes exercise can trigger asthma attacks. Using an inhaler before you exercise, and building up your fitness levels can help prevent this.

8. Food Allergies

Some foods can trigger asthma attacks. Dairy, seafood and nuts are the most common culprits.

9. Pollen

Grass and other pollens that trigger hay fever can equally start asthma attacks. If you think it is a trigger for your asthma then you may need extra medication during the times when the pollen is most prominent.

10. Stress

Emotions can cause asthma attacks, even something as simple as laughing can set one off. Stress can also make asthma worse so it is a good idea to practise relaxation exercises.

Copyright 2009