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What Triggers Asthma?
Home » Diseases » Asthma » What Triggers Asthma?There are two provoking factors in dealing with asthma. A trigger is the result of a tightening of the airways, also called bronchoconstriction. Causes or inducers result in an inflammation of the airways.
Triggers irritate the airways but do not cause asthma because they do not cause the inflammation. The following are common triggers of bronchoconstriction:
• Dust mites - Found in mattresses, bedding, carpets, drapes, upholstered furniture, and stuffed toys. Vacuum twice a week with vacuums equipped with a HEPA system.
• Smoke – Do not permit anyone to smoke inside of your home as second hand smoke is a trigger.
• Mold - Grows on wet or damp surfaces and is most commonly found in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Clean or change air filters every month. Install electronic air filters and whole-house HEPA filters. Keep the humidity in your home at less than 50 percent.
• Cold air – Keep your home sealed where cold air is not allowed inside.
• Stress and emotional upsets – Stress and depression can lead to asthma attacks. Parents should help their children deal with emotional stresses. If necessary, a person with asthma may need to seek counseling in order to better deal with their stress and emotional needs.
• Insects – Cockroaches are a common trigger of asthma along with urine or droppings from other insects and rodents.
• Pets – Pet hair and dander from pets kept inside the home trigger asthma.
• Chemicals and strong fumes – Chemicals used in cleaning, nitrogen dioxide from your gas stoves, furnaces, and fireplaces can all be triggers.
Inducers cause inflammation of the airways so they are considered causes of asthma. Symptoms from inducers may last longer and be harder to reverse than symptoms caused by triggers. The following are common inducers:
• Allergens – Inhaling allergens are the most common cause of inflammation in the airways. The majority of young people with asthma are allergic to pets, pollen, mold, or dust mites. Being exposed to these allergens can cause immediate coughing or wheezing in an asthma sufferer.
• Respiratory viral infections – A respiratory viral infection is one of the most common causes of asthma and in children causes deterioration in their asthma. In some cases the flu vaccine may be given to help prevent respiratory complications that may result from getting the flu.
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