Asthma inflames airways, worsened by common and unexpected triggers like thirdhand smoke, weather shifts, stress, insect bites, nitrogen dioxide, chemicals, fragrances, and pets. Article details each trigger's risks and avoidance tips, plus strategies to lower overall exposure including HEPA filters and unscented products.
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Asthma inhaler ready for unexpected triggers. (Credit: Cnordic Nordic via Pexels)
Asthma is a chronic condition that inflames the airways and can make breathing difficult. Avoiding both common triggers (dust mites and pollen) and unexpected ones (stress, fragrances, and insect bites) may help reduce attacks and better manage symptoms.
1. Thirdhand Smoke
Thirdhand smoke residues persist on household surfaces. (Credit: Crystal Chan via Pexels)
Smoking can trigger an asthma attack. However, a lesser-known trigger is thirdhand smoke, the air pollution that remains after a cigarette has been put out. The chemicals can remain in the air and on furniture, carpeting, car seats, and clothing.
People who breathe in thirdhand smoke are exposed to over 250 chemicals. This is especially dangerous for people with asthma. It is likely unsafe for a person with asthma to visit the home of someone who smokes.
To protect yourself, never allow anyone to smoke in your home or car, and avoid places where people will be smoking. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping.
2. Weather Changes
Cold air irritates lungs, sparking asthma symptoms. (Credit: Fernando B M via Pexels)
Extreme weather or sudden temperature changes could trigger symptoms. In winter, cold, dry air can irritate the lungs, leading to inflammation.
In the summer, very hot temperatures can trigger asthma symptoms. Breathing in hot, humid air can narrow the airways. In addition, hot air traps pollution and allergens, increasing the likelihood of exposure. When spending time in very hot or cold weather, take frequent breaks indoors.
3. Emotional Stress
Stress heightens asthma risk through physical tension. (Credit: David Garrison via Pexels)
You may have experienced chest tightness or shortness of breath during times of high stress or anxiety. People with asthma may experience an increase in symptoms when under stress.
A sting or bite could quickly trigger asthma symptoms. People who are allergic to insects should use caution around:
Honey bees
Wasps
Hornets
Yellow jackets
Fire ants
Talk with your healthcare provider about keeping an Epi-Pen (epinephrine) with you when spending time outdoors.
In addition to bites and stings, any contact with cockroaches could trigger an asthma attack. Their droppings, body parts, and saliva contain proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction and lead to asthma symptoms. To reduce your risk of cockroach exposure, never leave food out overnight. Clean dishes right away, and seal any cracks or openings in your cabinets. (EPA on roaches)
5. Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas present in appliances that burn fuel, including gas, kerosene, or wood. Being exposed to nitrogen dioxide can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
It can also cause shortness of breath. Even breathing in a low level of nitrogen dioxide can trigger an attack in people with asthma. It causes bronchial reactivity, which can increase the risk of respiratory infections.
Some chemicals found in household products can irritate the airways in people with asthma. Use caution when working with certain products; inhaling them could cause asthma symptoms. These include:
Cleaners
Paints
Cosmetics
Pesticides
Adhesives
Air fresheners
Try keeping your windows open or using an exhaust fan when using household cleaners. Always follow the instructions on the bottle and wear a mask if needed.
7. Strong Fragrances
Strong fragrances from perfume, soap, or cleaning products can trigger an asthma attack. The chemicals in strong fragrances can irritate the airways and cause inflammation.
Opt for unscented products in your home, including laundry detergent, personal hygiene products, and cleaning solutions. If your child has asthma, consider asking any caregivers to avoid wearing perfume or cologne around them.
8. Pets
Pet dander proteins inflame airways in allergy sufferers. (Credit: Alexander Grey via Pexels)
Exposure to dogs, cats, or rodents can trigger an asthma attack in people with an allergy to animal dander. Pet animals have certain proteins in their skin, hair, urine, stool, and saliva that can cause the airways to become inflamed.
If you are allergic to animals, avoid having any in your home, even for a short visit. If you have a pet, do not let it enter the room where you sleep. Consider investing in a (high-efficiency particulate air HEPA) filter to reduce your exposure, and vacuum the carpets and furniture frequently.
How to Lower Your Risk from Everyday Triggers
While it may not be possible to avoid every asthma trigger, there are steps that you can take to lower your exposure and reduce your risk of an attack, which include:
Request that guests never smoke in your home or car.
Take breaks indoors when spending time in hot or cold weather.
Practice stress management techniques regularly.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Consider carrying an EpiPen if you have allergies to animals or insects.
Thirdhand smoke is air pollution remaining after a cigarette is put out, with chemicals lingering in the air and on furniture, carpeting, car seats, and clothing. People breathe in over 250 chemicals, which is especially dangerous for those with asthma.
Extreme weather or sudden temperature changes can trigger symptoms. Cold, dry winter air irritates lungs, while hot, humid summer air narrows airways and traps pollution and allergens.
Yes, people with asthma may experience increased symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath during high stress or anxiety. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation can help.
Stings or bites from honey bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, fire ants, and exposure to cockroaches (droppings, body parts, saliva) can trigger allergic reactions leading to asthma symptoms.
Proteins in pet skin, hair, urine, stool, and saliva cause airways to inflame in those allergic to animal dander from dogs, cats, or rodents.
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Editorial Team • Question of the Day
"Which of these unexpected asthma triggers have you encountered?"
