An asthma attack can occur when a person having the disorder is exposed to certain conditions. Different patients of asthma react differently to situations, yet there are still some common triggers for asthma that all patients should be wary of. This way, they can take the appropriate measures to avoid allergens whenever possible and protect themselves from any aggravated issues.
Dust mites
These are present in almost every house and can be dangerous for someone with asthma. It is important not to use quilts, down-filled pillows, or comforters. It is advisable to create a barrier between yourself and dust mites. For this, pillowcases and mattress covers can be used. Also, bedrooms should be cleaned regularly; there can be no clutter in the room or objects like stuffed animals. The bedding should also be washed weekly and upholstery at least twice a month.
- Irritants in the air
There are several irritants in the environment that can instantly trigger an asthma attack. Again, the irritants causing an asthma episode may differ from one person to another. These include chemicals, particles, and dust in the air, vapors, strong perfumes, charcoal grills, wood fires, smog, and the like. If you have asthma, an asthma attack may be triggered if you are near a wall that has been painted recently. - Emotional stress
Many researchers and scientists have found that emotional stress can trigger asthma. The reason behind this is when a person is stressed, their body’s response to stress first triggers the immune system, which further causes the release of hormones. Because of this, the airways in the lungs become inflamed and tighten up, which can trigger an asthma episode. - Use of certain medicines
Make sure that if you have asthma, you constantly keep a check on what medicines can trigger your condition; for this, keep in touch with your doctor. For instance, several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as beta-blockers, ibuprofen, aspirin, and many others can trigger asthma. Such medicines are used to treat high blood pressure, heart diseases, migraine headaches, or even glaucoma. If you have any such health issues, make sure that you inform your doctor about the conditions. - Allergies and specific conditions
It is commonly seen that patients with asthma are allergic to very particular things. While several other factors like the ones mentioned above can trigger an attack, there are some very specific allergic factors that can visibly trigger it. For instance, you could be allergic specifically to pollen grains, cockroach droppings, animal dander, molds, or something else. You could also be susceptible to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is also known as EIB. It is advisable that you consult with an allergist, who would better be able to tell you exactly what you are allergic to; he or she would also recommend measures you can take to avoid such attacks.
The common triggers for asthma can tighten airways and make them inflamed, which further leads to wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. This can lead to a bad reaction which can occur either immediately or take some days or hours surface. Either way, it is important to visit the doctor in case your asthma is triggered.