Things That Trigger Asthma

Symptoms of asthma can vary by individual, as do the triggers of asthma. The most common triggers are air particles and allergens. However in some individuals, exercise, certain medications, sulfites and viruses can also trigger asthma.

Air Particles

• Air particles containing pollution and cigarette smoke are common triggers of asthma. Other chemicals such as hair sprays and cleaning products release particles in the air that can also trigger asthma.

Allergens

• Allergens are perhaps the primary triggers of asthma, including animal dander, mold, pollen, dust and cockroaches. Asthma itself can be classified as an allergy in some individuals.

Exercise

• Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms by constricting the airways and making an asthmatic wheeze. Some asthmatics take an albuterol inhaler prior to exercising to reduce the onset of symptoms.

Medications

• Anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, triggers symptoms in some asthmatics.

Sulfites

• Asthma symptoms can be triggered by sulfites, which are common ingredients in drinks and food.

Viruses

• Cold viruses often trigger asthma symptoms, since the virus can worsen and work its way to the chest.