Recognizing Asthma Triggers

Asthma triggers are everywhere in our environment: indoors, outdoors and in the very air we breathe. Identifying triggers, however, is not always simple. It usually involves a process of elimination. A good place to start is a consultation with your doctor. Ask for guidance. Your doctor may recommend a skin test for allergies.
 
A vast range of triggers can set off symptoms of asthma. Chief culprits include dust mites, air conditioning (which cycles offending substances into the air we breathe) and cat dander. Individual asthmatics, however, tend to have their own "red-alert" triggers.

Common Allergic Asthma Triggers

The following is a partial list of common asthma triggers:
  • alcohol
  • air conditioning
  • animal saliva and urine
  • atmospheric ozone
  • betel-nuts
  • bird, dog and cat dander
  • chemicals (e.g., hexachlorophene, formalin, ethylene diamine)
  • cockroaches
  • cold air
  • colds and upper respiratory tract infections
  • drugs (especially aspirin, cimetidine, antibiotics, beta blockers)
  • dust mites & their droppings
  • emotional upset
  • exertion (especially if strenuous and in cold air)
  • food additives or preservatives (e.g., tartrazine, sulfur dioxide)
  • fungal spores
  • fumes (e.g., paint)
  • gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
  • gum acacia
  • hair particle proteins
  • high humidity
  • kapok and feather fillers (e.g., in pillows and cushions)
  • metals (e.g., cobalt, platinum, nickel)
  • nuts
  • plastics
  • PVC
  • ragweed pollen (particularly in the U.S.)
  • rubber
  • sawdust (especially oak, boxwood and cedar wood dust)
  • shellfish
  • smoke pollution
  • solvents
  • stress
  • strong odors
  • temperature/humidity changes
  • tobacco
  • tree and grass pollens.

Taking Control of Common Indoor Asthma Triggers

Taking certain steps can help reduce the number of asthma triggers in your home. In most cases, a minor adjustment to everyday routine is all that's required to minimize triggers and prevent an attack.
 
Carpeting is one of the key culprits for concealing asthma triggers. Dust mites, pet dander and other small particles hide in carpets. Frequent vacuuming with HEPA vacuums may help, but in chronic asthma the complete removal of carpeting in the bedroom can minimize many asthma triggers.
 
Reduce asthma triggers in bedding by selecting pillows and blankets filled with manmade fibers rather than down or feathers. Wash bedding in hot (130 °F) water to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If the bedding cannot be washed in hot water, placing it in an airtight container for 48 hours will kill dust mites or other live allergens.

Controlling Common Childhood Triggers

The most common triggers of childhood asthma are pet dander (dried skin flakes found on pets) or dust mites. Stuffed toys and bedding are primary locations for dust mites. Occasionally placing stuffed toys in the freezer for 24 hours or in an airtight container for 48 hours will reduce levels of dust mites. Use allergen-free cases to cover pillows, mattresses and box springs. To minimize pet dander vacuum often and keep all smooth surfaces well dusted.
 

Always Be Prepared
All asthmatics should always carry their asthma inhalers with them, even when they think they are entering a "low" risk environment. An asthma inhaler is designed to help relieve the symptoms of asthma...fast. These devices are highly effective at delivering medicine to the airways quickly. Some medications are specifically designed to be used before entering into a situation of potential asthma triggers.

 
Resources
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. (updated 2004). Tips to remember: Asthma triggers and management.

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (nd). Asthma.

American Lung Association. (updated 2002). Home control of allergies and asthma.
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Last Modified: January 20, 2010