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The Curious Bag
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Asthma, a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes, typically has periods with and without symptoms. Symptomatic periods are known as asthma attacks, asthma flares or asthma exacerbations. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), allergies, exercise, stress, smoke, illness and medication can trigger exacerbations.
Allergies
Asthma and allergies frequently go hand-in-hand. Asthma triggered by environmental allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and fungi is allergic asthma.
Exercise
Exercise can trigger asthma in some people, causing typical asthma symptoms---wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath---known as exercise-induced asthma, or EIA.
Stress and Emotion
According to the AAAAI, stress or other strong emotional reaction can cause changes in breathing patterns, triggering asthma or making an existing asthma flare worse.
Smoke
Smoke from fires, cigarettes, cigars---first-hand or second-hand---can irritate your lungs, causing inflammation in the bronchial tubes and increased mucus production.
Illness
Illnesses such as viral respiratory tract infections, colds, gastroesophageal reflux disease and sinusitis can trigger asthma.
Medication
Some medications, including aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and beta-blockers used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure and migraines, trigger asthma in sensitive people, according to eMedicine.
Source:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: Asthma Triggers and Management
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