Asthma and its triggers

For people who suffer from asthma, one of their biggest nightmares is to come across asthma triggers. There are many common asthma triggers and each affects patients differently.

Here are some triggers that may surprise you:

• Mold
  Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma episode. Inspect your house regularly for the growth of mold. Depending on the humidity and moisture in the air, mold can grow in various places. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep humidity under control. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer so that the humidity levels don’t go higher than 50%. It is also recommended to fix the water leaks, which may lead to the growth of mold behind walls or under floors.
• Smoke exuded from burning plants
  The smoke that comes from plants or burning wood is made up of very small particles and harmful gases. When you breathe in too much of this smoke, you can get an asthma attack. It is one of the most common triggers that only a few know about. Avoid wood-burning entirely and if a wildfire causes poor quality of air in the area, keep a check on the news to avoid those areas.
• Physical infections
  Physical infections can also trigger asthma. These may be triggers associated with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and even cold. Additionally, allergies, sinus infections, and acid reflux can result in an asthma attack as well.

In some cases, external physical factors can be the main trigger for asthma. This may include bad weather, high humidity, or even thunderstorms.

• Medicines
  There are certain medicines which may trigger your asthma. It is recommended to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines as much as possible. However, if you want to consume certain medications, consult your physician and take their opinion.

  Medications that could trigger your asthma include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and beta-blockers. Moreover, never stop any medicine suddenly; always consult your doctor.

• Additional medical factors

Sometimes, the intake of sulfites in your diet could also trigger asthma attacks. Additionally, undergoing hormonal changes in different stages of the menstrual cycle can also be a cause of concern. Rarely, gastric issues like GERD and acid reflux may also be the reason for asthma attacks in some people.

If you know somebody who suffers from asthma or if you are suffering from the condition, keep a check of your surroundings. Stay away from these common triggers as much as you can to improve your quality of life.