Asthma triggers

There are many agents which aggravate the symptoms of asthma in patient. It is not like that all the patients of asthma react to the same triggers.

Different trigger affect in a different manner to a different individual. The more no of triggering agents for a an individual, the higher will be the severity level in his case.

Triggers are categorised as:

• Allergens ("specific")
• Non-allergens - mostly irritants (non-"specific")

After the very first infection in the bronchial tubes from allergens, a patient tends to show the symptoms of asthma as soon as he gets the re-exposure to that particular allergen. And a reactive bronchial tube is also sensitive towards other allergens or triggers like exercise, and irritants etc. For your information following is list of triggers:

Allergens

• "Seasonal" pollens.
• Year-round dust mites, molds, pets, and insect parts.
• Foods, such as fish, egg, peanuts, nuts, cow's milk, and soy.
• Additives, such as sulfites.
• Work-related agents, such as latex.

Allergy Fact

About 80% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies.

Irritants

• Respiratory infections, such as those caused by viral "colds," bronchitis, and sinusitis.
• Drugs, such as aspirin, other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and Beta Blockers (used to treat blood pressure and other heart conditions).
• Tobacco smoke.
• Outdoor factors, such as smog, weather changes, and diesel fumes.
• Indoor factors, such as paint, detergents, deodorants, chemicals, and perfumes.
• Nighttime.
• GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder).
• Exercise, especially under cold dry conditions.
• Work-related factors, such as chemicals, dusts, gases, and metals.
• Emotional factors, such as laughing, crying, yelling, and distress.
• Hormonal factors, such as in premenstrual syndrome.