Asthma Trigger Checklist

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Asthma triggers fall into two categories:

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

Once your bronchial tubes (nose and eyes) become inflamed from an allergic exposure, a re-exposure to the offending allergens will often activate symptoms. These "reactive" bronchial tubes might also respond to other triggers, such as exercise, infections, and other irritants. The following is a simple checklist.

Common Asthma Triggers:

1. 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.

2. Non Allergens - 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 (gastroesophageal 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.

For much more about this condition, please visit the Asthma Center.