Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition that causes inflammation of the airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs.

Asthma triggers are the environmental and physical factors that cause asthma symptoms to flare up. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help individuals with asthma manage their condition and reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms.

This visual guide explains some of the most common asthma triggers to help you better understand how to manage your asthma.

Pollen

Pollen is a common allergen that can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. Pollen is produced by trees, grasses, and plants, and is carried by the wind.

When an individual with allergic asthma inhales pollen, their immune system reacts and triggers an asthma attack. The best way to manage pollen-triggered asthma is to avoid being outdoors during peak pollen season, which can vary depending on the type of pollen and geographic location. Wearing a mask can also help reduce exposure to pollen while outdoors.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that live in dust and are common allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms. Dust mites thrive in warm and humid environments, such as bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture.

Controlling dust mites in the home can help reduce exposure to these triggers. This can be achieved through regular cleaning, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and using allergen-proof bedding and pillowcases.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in warm and humid environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Mold spores can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma.

Controlling mold in the home can help reduce exposure to these triggers. This can be achieved through proper ventilation and cleaning, particularly in areas prone to moisture buildup.

Pet Dander

Pet dander is a common allergen that can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergic asthma. Pet dander refers to tiny flakes of skin and hair shed by pets, such as cats and dogs.

Avoiding contact with pets can help reduce exposure to pet dander, but this may not always be feasible. Alternatives include regularly bathing and grooming pets, using air purifiers and keeping pets out of certain areas of the home, such as bedrooms.

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke is a potent asthma trigger that can cause serious respiratory problems in people with asthma. Secondhand smoke from other people’s cigarettes and smoke from your own cigarettes can trigger asthma symptoms.

The best way to manage cigarette smoke-triggered asthma is to avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking can significantly improve your asthma symptoms and overall respiratory health.

Exercise

Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma triggered by physical activity. Exercise can cause the airways to narrow and lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Warm up before exercising, avoid exercising in cold weather, and take any prescribed medications before exercising to help manage exercise-induced asthma.

Cold and Flu

Cold and flu viruses are respiratory infections that can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

The best way to manage cold and flu-triggered asthma is to practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of getting sick, such as washing hands frequently, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you do get sick, follow your asthma action plan and take any prescribed medications as directed.

Weather Changes

Weather changes, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure, can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can lead to airway irritation and cause asthma symptoms to flare up.

Keeping track of weather changes and adjusting your routine accordingly can help you manage weather-triggered asthma.

Stress

Stress is a common asthma trigger that can cause respiratory problems in some people. When you experience stress, your body releases stress hormones that can affect your breathing.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce the impact of stress-triggered asthma.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality can impact asthma symptoms, particularly if there are high levels of air pollutants such as dust, chemicals, and fumes. Improving indoor air quality can help reduce exposure to these triggers.

This can be achieved through proper ventilation, using air purifiers, and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and cleaning products.