The Asthma Society of Canada defines asthma as a chronic inflammatory condition of the airway that provokes difficult breathing, coughing and wheezing. Sufferers can control their asthma by keeping a journal to track their symptoms and triggers, and taking their medication daily.

Inflammatory Triggers

Inflammatory or allergic triggers provoke inflammation of the lung's airways. Dust mites, which live in bedding, curtains or couches, may trigger asthma because their body droppings include a substance that irritates asthmatics. Pollen, especially from the trees and grass in the spring and summer, may aggravate asthma, so limit time outside.

Animals

According to the Asthma Society of Canada, at least 50 percent of children who suffer from asthma have theirs provoked by household pets. Cats remain the worst offenders to cause airway inflammation, but all furry animals that shed dander will provoke attacks.

Mold

Mold grows in any warm, damp location, both indoors and outdoors, and its spores trigger asthma attacks. Indoors, you may find mold in bathrooms or basements where it is damper. Outdoors, mold thrives in fresh-cut grass, trash cans or murky water.

Environmental Triggers

Asthma may also be provoked by changes in your environment, such as second-hand smoke in a restaurant or children who live with smoking parents. Second-hand smoke triggers asthma attacks and often worsens the symptoms in children, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Symptom Triggers

Sometimes partaking in certain activities, such as exercise, will also provoke an asthma attack, and you may have difficulty breathing after only a short workout. This means your current asthma treatment plan is not working, and you must contact your doctor promptly.

Source:

About Inflammatory Triggers

Indoor Environmental Asthma Triggers