Types of Asthma Triggers

Common asthma triggers include dust, pollen, cockroaches, cold air, smoke, and other strong odors, such as paint, cleaning fluids, perfume, hair spray, and powder. For some people, the problem is animal dander, flakes of skin and dried saliva from furry or feathered animals. For others, asthma can be triggered by medication, such as aspirin, or sulfites, preservatives used in food.

Bronchitis Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms are: a cough, wheezing, fever, and soreness in the chest. Bronchitis is contagious. It can be spread by direct or indirect contact. Bronchitis may be caused by a virus, bacteria, smoking or the inhalation of chemical pollutants or dust.

Asthma Triggers cont..

Stress is thought to be a trigger of asthma.

Stress can create strong physiologic reactions that lead to airway constriction. Stress can also alter the immune system, which can, in turn, increase the likelihood of an asthma attack in people with asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, some adults in Manhattan reported an increase in their asthma symptoms due to stress, as well as from smoke and debris.

It's not always possible to avoid asthma triggers, but experts suggest that you can track what causes problems and limit exposure as much as possible. Also, talk with your doctor about preventive steps you can take.

The NHLBI recommends keeping furry and feathered pets out of the home, or at least out of bedrooms, if pets are known to trigger asthma symptoms. Recent research, however, suggests that children with high exposure to cat allergens early in life develop an immune response to cats, reducing the risk for asthma. In the study, published in the March 10, 2001, issue of The Lancet, Thomas Platts-Mills and colleagues at the University of Virginia found that exposure to cats may be protective for some kids but a risk factor for others. The research suggests you might not have to get rid of your cat when the baby comes, but if you or your child experience asthma symptoms because of the cat, the cat should go.

Consult with a doctor about when or how much to increase medications as a preventive measure, such as before allergy season starts or if you're traveling to a place where it may be impossible to know what you will encounter in the way of pollution or environmental allergens.