Five Common Asthma Triggers

Asthma might be one of the most difficult medical conditions to live with because it can compromise daily life so radically. A simple trip to school or to the store can result in a terrible asthma attack, which is often embarrassing for the patient and difficult to control. If you don't know what can trigger an asthma attack, it can be very difficult to avoid one, so here are five common asthma triggers you should avoid.
Allergens
In many cases, asthma attacks are triggered by simple allergens that are inhaled and produce both an allergic reaction and an asthma attack. Common allergens include pollen, mold, animal dander and dust. In some cases, asthma attacks aren't triggered by allergens until the patient has undergone prolonged exposure, so you might not know which allergens are dangerous for many years. When allergens can trigger asthma attacks, you'll want to talk with your doctor about ways to control your allergic reactions as well as your asthma.

Irritants
Asthma triggers that are inhaled but do not cause allergic reactions are called irritants. It is easy for an asthma sufferer to experience irritation at the hands of smoke, strong paints, chemical fumes, air pollution and a host of other irritants. While you won't have allergic reactions to these substances, they can cause powerful asthma attacks, and are the strongest when a patient undergoes consistent exposure to any one irritant. The best way to avoid irritant asthma triggers is to use an air purifier inside the home and to avoid exposure to strong chemicals or smoke.

Emotional Stress
When asthma sufferers experience high levels of emotional stress, they can easily experience an anxiety attack, which leads to asthma. This is especially true if the emotional stress has caused long periods of crying, which can deprive the lungs of precious oxygen and trigger an asthma attack. If you are likely to suffer from asthma because of emotional stress, you should always carry your inhaler and other medications with you. Make sure you are with someone that knows about the danger so that you can be calmed before asthma attacks become too serious.