Common Asthma Triggers

About Inflammatory Triggers | About Symptom Triggers

About Symptom Triggers

Smoke
Cigarettes can provoke asthma symptoms, even in individuals who do not smoke themselves. That's because even secondhand smoke can be a trigger.

What's more, children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to experience asthma attacks, and their symptoms are more likely to be severe.

If you or your child has asthma and you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to quit.

Exercise
Exercise can cause asthma symptoms to flare up, especially when asthma is not well-controlled. If your asthma limits your ability to exercise, your asthma is not being managed properly so talk to your doctor. Regular exercise is important to maintaining overall good health and it is attainable for the majority of people with asthma.

Cold Air
Cold air can trigger asthma symptoms. Be aware of changes in the weather and, if necessary, exercise indoors if the cold air triggers asthma symptoms.

Chemical Fumes
Some chemicals, including those used in certain workplaces, have been linked to asthma symptoms. As with all triggers, you should try to avoid chemical fumes if they affect you.

Air Pollutants
Smog and some air pollutants can make asthma symptoms worse. Smog is a combination of vapors, gases and particles that react to sunlight to produce ozone near the ground. The particles in the air along with ozone, cause lung damage and breathing problems in people with asthma. Where possible, avoid going outdoors on days that have poor air-quality indexes.

Intense Emotions
Stress and intense emotions can cause some people with asthma to experience symptoms, especially if their asthma is not well-controlled. If you find that your asthma becomes worse when you experience strong emotions, >talk to your doctor or your asthma educator.