Why Would Ammonia Trigger Asthma?

If ammonia fumes trigger asthma, you likely have nonallergic asthma. Nonallergic asthma is triggered by anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, smoke, viruses, irritants, perfumes or chemical fumes, such as those from ammonia.

Normal Breathing

• During normal breathing, airways are fully open and clear, allowing air to move in and out of the lungs freely. But with asthma, even when breathing normally, your airways are supersensitive and have the propensity to react to certain triggers.

Asthma Triggers Cause Airway Changes

• Asthma triggers like fumes from ammonia and other chemicals can cause airway changes, resulting in asthma symptoms.

How the Airways Change

• When you breathe in the ammonia fumes, the airway becomes reactive and the lining thickens; the airway constricts when the muscles around it tighten and can then fill with mucus. The lungs have difficulty moving air in and out. You may also experience coughing or wheezing as a result.

Avoid Ammonia and Other Fumes

• If ammonia causes asthma symptoms, avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products or other chemicals whose fumes may trigger an asthma attack. If you must use ammonia, do so in a well-ventilated area.

Know and Avoid All Asthma Triggers

• By identifying and avoiding asthma triggers, you can reduce the severity of asthma attacks and possibly even prevent them.