Asthma is a chronic health condition that affects your breathing. The airways in the lungs become more sensitive and can fill with mucous or tighten when exposed to triggers. This makes it difficult for air to pass through the airways and makes it harder to breathe.
Spring is a peak season for people with asthma and allergies and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers, and other people about allergic diseases. Although asthma cannot be cured, proper treatment allows people with asthma to lead healthy and active lives.
Asthma Triggers
Triggers are things that can cause your asthma symptoms. Every person has their own asthma triggers. There are 2 types of asthma triggers:
1. Allergens
2. Irritants
Asthma Allergens
These are triggers that you are allergic to. Allergen triggers set off an allergic reaction in your body. When you breathe in one of your allergens, your immune system reacts to remove it. This allergic reaction causes swelling, extra mucous and tightening of your airways. This blocks the flow of air into and out of your lungs and causes asthma symptoms.
Common Allergens
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Dust mites
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Animals
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Cockroaches
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Moulds
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Pollens
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Asthma Irritants
There are many possible irritants that are found indoors and outdoors. They generally do not cause swelling but can make your airways “twitchy” and can trigger asthma symptoms.
Common Irritants
Indoor irritants
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Smoke (tobacco or wood smoke)
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Strong odours or chemicals (like perfumes or
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cleaning products)
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Exposure to a cold or the flu
Outdoor irritants
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Air pollution
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Cold air
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Hot or humid air
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Exercise can also trigger asthma symptoms, especially outdoor exercise.
What you can do to avoid asthma triggers
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Manage your asthma with your puffers. If you have questions about your medications, talk to your primary care provider.
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Speak to your primary care provider about having an allergy test done.
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Keep track of your asthma symptoms and what triggers them.
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This will help you understand the things that make your asthma worse.Learn how to avoid or reduce your allergy exposures.
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Some triggers are difficult to avoid, but many are avoidable.
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Follow your asthma action plan.
It is important to work with your healthcare provider to help identify your triggers, and come up with a plan to minimize your exposure.
Asthma - Lung Association
