There are many substances and situations, commonly known as triggers that may set off symptoms of asthma such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. These triggers could eventually lead to the patient suffering an attack. A proper awareness about the triggers causing asthma can help in better control and prevention of asthma attacks.
Triggers are mainly of two types – allergens and irritants. Most of the asthma patients are affected by allergies. The common allergens are:
1) Dust Mites – Dust mites are tiny microscopic insects which are similar to spiders. They are commonly found in pillows, mattresses, bedding, rugs, furniture upholstery, carpets and curtains. These small insects feed on the dead skin cells shed by people and animals. Dust mites are found almost everywhere, hence it is not possible to eliminate them but they can certainly be reduced by regular cleaning and chemical treatment of articles.
2) Cockroaches – Cockroaches are found in almost all homes. Allergic proteins are present in a cockroach’s saliva, body and droppings. These chemicals become airborne irritants after getting mixed with dust and can trigger attacks in patients.
3) Mold – Molds are found indoors as well as outdoors. These molds produce allergenic substances which can be found in mold spores and other fungal sources such as hyphae. While outdoor molds have seasonal growth pattern and grow in shady moist areas, indoor ones thrive in dark and humid conditions. They can be typically found in basements and bathrooms. They are also found in refrigerators and air conditioners.
4) Pollen – Pollen such as ragweed, grass and tree pollen can either be airborne or carried by insects. It is a fine powder-like substance. Airborne pollen particles are a cause of greater worry for asthma patients as they can be inhaled easily due to their tiny size. Most common allergy causing grasses are Bermuda grass, Johnson grass and Orchard grass. Tree pollen comes from elm, olive, walnut, willow and poplar.
The following are the irritants which can trigger an asthmatic attack.
1) Cigarette Smoke - There are many toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke and people sensitive to them could face aggravated allergic reactions. Smoking not only affects smokers but also people around them. It also increases the risk of allergic complications such as bronchitis in addition to causing symptoms like burning sensation in eyes, coughing and shortness of breath.
2) Weather – Persons suffering from asthma may find their symptoms aggravated in certain weather conditions. Cold, dry air can also act as a trigger due to the constriction of airway muscles in reaction to air temperature.
3) Exercise – Some patients may suffer from asthma only when they exercise while for others it could be an additional trigger.
4) Airborne Irritants – There are many airborne irritants such as vapor, chemical gases, fumes and dust, which when mixed with air, can trigger asthma attacks. Gases like nitrogen dioxide released from motor vehicles and gas stoves, sulfur dioxide released from burning of kerosene heaters and industrial boilers and carbon monoxide from motor vehicles are all irritants for asthma patients.
5) Pets and Animals – Proteins in saliva and those secreted by oil glands of animals can also act as triggers for asthma. As pet allergens are carried on tiny particles, they circulate in the air and remain on the floor and carpet for weeks.
Asthma triggers are different for different people. A combination of environmental factors and hereditary characteristics is probably the reason why some people experience certain symptoms while others remain unaffected.