What triggers asthma symptoms?

Well first of all what are triggers? Triggers are the things that make asthma worse. Potential symptoms are triggers that include: irritants, allergens, infections, weather, exercise, emotions, and gastroesophageal reflux. Normal hormone changes and occasionally, foods can also trigger asthma in certain individuals.

Irritants Common ariway irritants include smoke (e.g. tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning or kerosene stoves and fireplaces), areosol sprays, strong odors, dust, and air pollution.THese substances found in the environment can irritate sensitive airways. Cigarette smoke is a very serious asthma tirgger, do not allow to get smoking in your home or car and always look for non-smoking secitons in publiv areas.

AllergensA variety of allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. It is important to note that not all people with asthma have allergies. Reliable and valid allergy tests are available and a board-certified allergist can guide you through this process. Common allergens include animal dander from furry or feathery animals, dust mites (a major component of house dust in humid climates), cockroaches, indorr and outdoor molds, pollens and foods. If you are allergic to any of those substances, making changes in your environment to control or avoid contact with the allergens is ver important. Ask your health care provider about environment control.

Infections Infections can also trigger asthma. Common cold viruses, sinusitis and influenza frequently cause an increase of asthma symptoms. Your health care provider may recommend an annual flu vaccination.

Exercise Exercise or physical activity is a common asthma trigger; for some it may be the only trigger of asthma. However, exercise is important for everyone and should not be avoided. For many people, using a pre-treatment medication 10-15 minutes before exercise allows them to exercise without experiencing asthma symptoms.

Weather There is not one best weather climate for people with asthma. However, there are certain types of weather may cause problems for sme people with asthma in any climate. Some weather situations that may trigger astham symptoms include: extremly hot or cold temperatures, windy conditions, changes in the humidity or barometiric pressure.

Emotions Emotions do not cause asthma, but can trigger symptoms. Strong feelings can lead to changes in breathing patterns. Times of ”good’ stress, and ”bad'' stress can cause problems for people with asthma. However, it is important to express your emotions and good asthma management can minimize the effect fo this trigger.

Changing in breathing patterns Sneezing, laughing, or holding your breath may cause changes in breathing patterns which may trigger asthma symptoms. It is not possible or desireable to avoid these situations; however, good asthma mangement may minimize the effect of those triggers.

Hormonal changes Some women with asthma have increased symptoms at a particular time during their menstrual cycle, such as pre-menstruation, or during pregnancy. This woresning results from a change in the balance of hormones that is occuring at that time. Your clinicin may adjust asthma medications during that time to reduce your symptoms.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Gastroesophageal reflux or GER, occurs when the acidic contents of the stomache flow back up into the esophagus. THis stimulates a reflex that may cause asthma to worsen. Symptoms of heartburn and breathing difficulty at night can indicate GER. Your health care provider can discuss preventive measures to reduce these symptoms.