Triggers for Asthma Attacks
What are the triggers that can cause an asthma attack?
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Lung Association, triggers for asthma may include:
Allergens | Respiratory infections and sinusitis |
---|---|
| Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and may precede an asthma attack. |
Irritants | Sensitivity to medications |
| Medications, such as aspirin, and additives, such as sulfites, cause up to 20 percent of adult asthmatic attacks as a result of sensitivities or allergies to them. These medications often include:
Before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, talk with your health care provider. |
Exercise | Gastroesophageal reflux |
Strenuous physical exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and dry air. Long-term strenuous activities, such as long distance running, are more likely to induce asthma. | GERD, or indigestion, a condition characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is common in individuals with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, or spitting up in infants. |
Smoke | Emotional anxiety and nervous stress |
Tobacco smoke, whether directly or passively inhaled, has been shown to have harmful effects on the airways. Wood smoke from wood-burning heating stoves and fireplaces can release irritating chemicals, such as sulfur dioxide. | Reactions from stress and anxiety can increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack. |