From Dust to Pollen
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs, causing inflammation and narrowing, which leads to difficulty breathing. Medications such as Benralizumab can help reduce the severity of asthma by targeting certain cells that cause airway inflammation.
10 Common Triggers of Asthma
1. Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in household dust, particularly in warm, humid environments. They are one of the most common asthma triggers. The proteins in dust mite droppings can cause an allergic reaction, leading to airway inflammation.
2. Pet Dander
Pet dander, which consists of tiny flakes of skin, saliva and urine from animals, can easily trigger asthma symptoms. Even if you don’t have pets, dander can stick to clothing and travel into your home. Regularly cleaning and grooming pets, as well as keeping them out of bedrooms, can help minimize exposure. If allergies are a big problem for you, you can also opt for a hypoallergenic pet. These types of pets have dander that won’t irritate asthma symptoms.
3. Pollen
Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are common triggers for asthma. When inhaled, pollen can trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals, causing inflammation and tightening of the airways. People with asthma should monitor pollen counts and consider staying indoors on high-pollen days or using air purifiers to reduce exposure.
4. Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution, including smog and vehicle exhaust, can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms. Air pollution is worse in cities like Los Angeles, CA; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; and Chicago, IL. Checking air quality reports and avoiding outdoor activities when pollution levels are high can help.
5. Mold
Mold is most prevalent in damp environments, such as bathrooms, basements and kitchens. Inhaling mold spores can irritate the airways and cause asthma symptoms to flare up. Preventing mold growth by controlling indoor humidity and regularly cleaning damp areas is crucial for people with asthma.
6. Cigarette Smoke
It’s no secret that smoking is bad for you. But if you have asthma, it can be even worse. Cigarette smoke is a well-known irritant that can significantly worsen asthma symptoms. Both first-hand and second-hand smoke exposure can trigger asthma attacks. Quitting smoking and maintaining a smoke-free environment are vital steps in asthma management.
7. Exercise
Exercise-induced asthma is a common form of the condition, leading to shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. Cold or dry air can exacerbate these symptoms, particularly when exercising outdoors. There are ways to exercise without worsening symptoms, however. Warming up properly, staying hydrated and using prescribed inhalers before exercise can help control exercise-induced asthma.
8. Cold Air
Cold air is a common trigger that can cause the airways to tighten and become inflamed, leading to asthma symptoms. This is especially problematic during the winter months when the air is dry and cold.
9. Strong Odors and Fragrances
Strong smells, such as perfumes, cleaning products or air fresheners, can irritate the airways and provoke an asthma attack. Opting for fragrance-free products and ensuring good ventilation when using cleaning agents can help avoid these triggers.
10. Stress and Emotions
Believe it or not, emotional stress and anxiety can trigger asthma symptoms. This is because rapid breathing or hyperventilation can irritate the airways. While emotions themselves don’t cause asthma, the physiological responses to intense feelings can worsen the condition. Learning relaxation techniques, managing stress and engaging in mindfulness activities can help mitigate this trigger.