Child Health A-Z

Asthma Attack Triggers

What are the triggers that can cause an asthma attack?

According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and other organizations, triggers for asthma include:

Allergens pollen mold house dust/dust mites cockroaches certain foods animal protein (dander, urine, oil from skin)	Respiratory Infections and Sinusitis Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and worsens asthma.
Irritants strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints, and varnishes chemicals such as coal, chalk dust, or talcum powder air pollutants changing weather conditions, including changes in temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and strong winds chemical-exposure on the job, such as occupational vapors, dust, gases, or fumes	Sensitivity to Medications Medications, such as aspirin and sulfites, may cause asthmatic attacks as a result of sensitivities or allergies to them. These medications often include: aspirin other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverage Before giving your child any medication, including over-the-counter medications, talk with your child's physician.
Exercise Exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and dry air. Long-term strenuous activities such as long distance running, are most likely to induce asthma, and swimming is the least likely.	Gastroesophageal reflux GERD, a condition characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is common in individuals with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, or spitting up in infants.
Smoke Tobacco smoke, whether directly or passively inhaled, has been shown to worsen asthma. Wood smoke from wood-burning heating stoves and fireplaces can release irritating chemicals such as sulfur dioxide.	Emotional Anxiety and Nervous Stress Reactions from stress and anxiety are considered to be more of an effect than a cause. They can cause fatigue, which may affect the immune system and, in turn, increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack.