Asthma Symptoms and Triggers - Health Tips

Most people who have been to an asthma allergy center know the common triggers, such as pet dander, mold, pollen, dust mites, smoke, humidity and chilled air. However, there are many other things that you wouldn’t normally think of that can set off an attack. Asthma inflames and obstructs your breathing passages, making it feel like you’re drowning on dry land. Reading through our list of unexpected triggers can help you identify your personal triggers so you can be better prepared and avoid a potential attack.

Crying or Laughing

A light chuckle isn’t going to cause you trouble, but a heavy guffaw or a crying spell might. When you have a bout of intense laughter or heavy crying, your breathing patterns change and restrict your airflow. Just like exercise, it can set off an asthmatic episode in those with inflamed airways.

Additives in Food

Various flavoring additives, preservatives and colorings in food can cause attacks in some patients, so read labels carefully. If food seems to be setting you off, it could be the sulfites. Other possible triggers are nitrite-rich lunch meats and tartrazine, found in yellow food coloring. Studies show conflicting scientific evidence, but you know your own body best. If you find that something is triggering your attacks, cut it out of your diet and talk to a doctor at our asthma and allergy center.

Reflux Disease

We all know reflux disease causes burning pain in your throat after eating, especially when reclining. Even when you don’t have the feeling of heartburn, GERD and acid reflux can set off an asthma attack by backing acid up into the esophagus and causing the airways to overreact.

Scented Air Fresheners, Incense and Candles

While you might love your scented candle collection, it might not love you back. The fragrances in scented candles and air fresheners, as well as the smoke from incense, can aggravate allergy symptoms in many people. The worst are floral and perfume scents which are the most likely to irritate your airways. Avoid using these items and see a doctor at our asthma allergy center if your symptoms get worse.

One of the most important steps you need to take to effective manage your asthma is to identify what triggers the symptoms of your condition. These triggers include:

• Inhalant allergens, including animal danders, dust mite and cockroach allergens, some mold spores, and certain airborne pollens of grasses, weeds and trees. 
• Occupational irritants and allergens, found primarily in the workplace, that induce occupational asthma or aggravate an already existing form of the disease. 
• Other irritants that you inhale, such as tobacco smoke, household products and indoor and outdoor air pollution. 
• Nonallergic triggers, including exercise and physical stimuli such as variations in air temperature and humidity levels
• Other medical conditions, including rhinitis, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and viral infections; sensitivites to asprin, beta-blockers, and other drugs; and sensitivies to food additives - particularly sulfates. 
• Emotional activities, such as crying, laughing, or even yelling. Although emotions aren't the direct triggers of asthma symptoms - and clearly asthma isn't an "emotional problem' - activities associated with emotions (happy or sad) can induce coughing or wheezing in people with pre-existing hyperactive airways, as well as in individuals who don't have asthma but who may suffer from other respiratory disorders. For example, your friend with a bad cold may say, Please don't make me laugh; if you do, I'll start coughing."

Triggers in the Home Environment

• The ideal home is as free as possible of asthma triggers. While it may be impossible to remove every trigger from your home, you can alter some things to provide healthier air.
• Air-conditioning may offer relief from some outdoor pollen triggers. If air-conditioning every room is not an option, then a window unit for your bedroom is a smart alternative. And, in houses with forced-air heat, a filter or damp cheesecloth over vents can trap airborne particles.
• Less clutter is better. Remove as many dust trapping items as possible. Ornate and upholstered furniture, knicknacks, draperies, and floor coverings are notorious collectors of dust. Look for things that are easily cleaned, such as vinyl-covered couches, washable shades, and wood or vinyl flooring. And, when cleaning your home, a dampened dust cloth will attract particles and keep them from becoming airborne.
• In your bedroom choose synthetic pillows. Cover mattress and box spring with allergen-proof covers for additional protection if you are dust mite allergic. Use washable cotton or synthetic bedding.
• Prevent situations that encourage mold to form. Keep bathrooms clean and dry. Install a dehumidifier. Dry your freshly laundered clothes promptly. And, don’t cultivate a lot of houseplants since moist potting soil can grow mold.
• Avoid exposure to pets, particularly cats. Animal dander (skin flakes) and animal saliva are known allergens. Do not smoke, and allow no smoking in the home. If these efforts are not possible, designate pets and smokers to areas outdoors or at least to rooms in the house that are far removed from your bedroom. This will ensure that you have low allergen area of the house when needed.

Triggers in the Work Environment

• Air-conditioning may be effective in the workplace for reducing the number of airborne allergens. Air filtration systems are an additional help, provided they are used properly and maintained.
• Perfumes, cleaners, smoke and fumes may aggravate asthma symptoms. When you identify triggers that may provoke an asthma episode, minimize your exposure to them. Investigate the possibility of relocating your work area or modifying working conditions if possible.
• Stress can also be a contributor to asthma episodes. Tension and anxiety can cause your airway muscles to tighten, making breathing more difficult. Try stress reduction techniques to help you relax.

Food and Drugs

• An asthma episode can also be triggered by things you eat or medicine you take.
• Processed foods contain chemicals, called sulfites, which are added as preservatives. Some patients may need to avoid sulfating agents because these chemicals may initiate an asthma episode. Foods that contain these chemicals include dried fruit, fruit juices, vegetables, and wines.
• Other foods can cause you to experience an allergic reaction that may trigger an asthma episode. The most common culprits are dairy products, nuts, wheat, soy, egg, citrus fruits, tomatoes, seafood, and corn.
• Certain drugs have been identified as asthma triggers. Aspirin and aspirin-like medicines (called NSAID’s) may trigger asthma. This is often seen in patients with recurring sinus infections and who have nasal polyps. Beta-blockers, which are used to treat migraines, high blood pressure, heart problems, tremor, and glaucoma, are also known to provoke asthma episodes.
• It is important to always follow the advice of your doctor. Be sure to ask if there are any foods or drugs you should avoid. Ask your doctor if any medications you are starting, or already taking may affect your asthma. And, be sure to notify your doctor when you experience any unusual reactions to foods or drugs.