ASTHMA

Triggers

In asthmatics, the airways are always inflamed and very sensitive, so they react to a variety of external factors, or "triggers." Coming into contact with these triggers is what causes the symptoms of asthma — the airways tighten and become inflamed, mucus blocks the airways and results in a worsening of asthma symptoms. An asthma attack can begin immediately after exposure to a trigger or several days or even weeks later.

There are many causes of asthma. Reactions to the causes of asthma are different for each person and even vary from time to time. Some people have many causes of their asthma while others have no identifiable ones. If you have asthma you can minimize your symptoms by avoiding the factors that trigger your symptoms, and by working with your physician to develop an effective management and treatment plan. One of the best ways to control asthma is to control triggers. Once the triggers are identified and exposure is reduced to the specific triggers of your asthma, you can take an active role in controlling you asthma.

Some of the Most Common Asthma Triggers:

Allergies

Allergies with asthma effects 80% of asthmatics. Airborne allergens that trigger an asthma attack typically are:
  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Animal Dander
  • Dust
  • Dust Mites
  • Cockroach Particles
As much as you clean, it is inevitable to have these potentially harmful airborne particles. In order to eliminate these airborne triggers, the EPA, and American Lung Association recommends HEPA air purifiers. While there are several different types of air purifiers, the HEPA air purifiers eliminate up to 99% of airborne allergens. It is important to seek out test results prior to choosing the right air purifier for you as many claim to be HEPA but don't have that level of performance. Additionally, dust mite covers and regularly washing of bedding is recommended to eliminate dust mites.

Exercise

In some people, exercise is the main trigger for their asthma symptoms. If you have exercise-induced asthma, you will feel chest tightness, coughing, and difficulty breathing within the first five to eight minutes of an aerobic workout. These symptoms usually subside in the next 20 to 30 minutes of exercise, but up to 50% of those with exercise-induced asthma may have another asthma attack six to 10 hours later.

Heartburn

Severe heartburn and asthma often go hand-in-hand. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) generally occurs at night when the sufferer is lying down. Certain clues that suggest reflux as the cause of asthma include the onset of asthma in adulthood, no family history of asthma, no history of allergies or bronchitis, difficult-to-control asthma, or coughing while lying down. If your doctor suspects this problem, he or she may recommend specific tests to look for it.

Smoking

People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to get asthma. If you smoke with asthma, it may make your symptoms such as coughing and wheezing worse. Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of wheezing in their babies. Babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy also have worse lung function than those whose mothers did not smoke. If you have asthma and you're a smoker, quitting is the most important step you can take to protect your lungs. If you live or work with a smoker, even when the smoking may not occur in the same room where you are, the second hand smoke may still trigger an attack. The EPA and American Lung Association recommend a HEPA air purifier to eliminate second hand smoke.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis causes inflammation in the mucous membranes that line the sinuses, similar to how asthma causes inflammation in the lining of the airways. This inflammation causes the mucous membranes in the sinuses to secrete more mucus — also similar to asthma. When the sinuses get inflamed, the airways respond similarly in many people with asthma, leading to sinusitis with asthma. Prompt treatment of a sinus infection is often necessary to help relieve asthma symptoms.

Irritants

Many irritants, including tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning appliances or fireplaces, strong odors from perfumes, cleaning agents, etc., are all irritants that can trigger asthma. In addition, air pollution, occupational dust or vapors can also trigger an attack. The American Lung Association, EPA and CDC recommend a HEPA air purifier to eliminate such airborne contaminants.

Weather

Cold air, changes in temperature, and humidity can cause asthma.

Strong Emotions

Stress and asthma are often seen together. Anxiety, crying, yelling, stress, anger, or laughing hard can trigger an asthma attack.

Identifying Triggers

Determining what factors were present when your asthma symptoms started is the first step to identifying the causes of your asthma. Some people have only one cause or trigger, while others have many causes. Many causes of asthma can be identified through a history of reaction and skin or blood testing. Your doctor may also recommend using a device called a peak flow meter. The peak flow meter measures how much and how quickly air is exhaled from the lungs. It can alert you to changes in your breathing and the onset of asthma symptoms.