Asthma: Identifying your triggers
What are asthma triggers?
An asthma trigger is a factor that can decrease lung function and lead to sudden difficulty breathing and other symptoms of an asthma attack. When you are around a trigger, you are at increased risk for an asthma attack. A severe attack may mean you have to go to the hospital.
Some triggers are substances you may be allergic to (allergens). These triggers may include:
- House dust mites.
- Cockroaches.
- Animal dander.
- Indoor mold.
- Pollen.
Other triggers are not allergens—they can cause asthma symptoms, but you are not allergic to them. These include:
- Cigarette smoke and air pollution.
- Upper respiratory infections such as colds, influenza (flu), and sinusitis.
- Exercise. Many people with asthma have symptoms when they exercise.
- Dry, cold air.
- Medicines, such as beta-blockers, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- In adults, hormones, including those involved in pregnancy and menstrual periods. Your symptoms may change just before or during periods.
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). Some experts debate whether GERD makes asthma worse. Studies have shown conflicting results as to whether GERD triggers asthma.1
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: March 22, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
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