Allergens

Allergens are normally harmless substances in the environment that your body overreacts to. Reactions to allergens may be mild, like itchy eyes and a runny nose, or they may cause serious breathing problems in people with asthma. When a person with asthma is exposed to allergens, the allergic response causes inflammation and tells the airways to narrow. Ask your doctor about whether you might have allergies and if you should get any further testing or treatment for them.

Common allergens include:

• dust mites
• animals (cats, dogs, birds, and other furry animals)
• mold
• pollen
• cockroaches

Irritants

Irritants can cause problems for most people with asthma. The best way to prevent irritants from being a trigger is to avoid them! Irritants include things like:
 

• smog
• smoke, including firsthand, secondhand and thirdhand (lingering smell on clothes or furniture) exposure
• strong smells like sprays, colognes, perfumes, and candles
• household cleaning agents

Air quality can affect asthma. Avoid high-risk days outside. You can locate information about air quality at: www.airnow.gov. Keep continuous air flow in areas that may have strong smells, for example, when using cleaning products or working on a hobby. Use a small, portable fan to help with airflow. If you are traveling in heavy traffic, keep the windows up and adjust the air to re-circulate instead of bringing in the outside air.

Miscellaneous Triggers

Miscellaneous triggers are those that don’t fit into either the allergen or irritant category. These are things that vary from person to person as to how much they react to them. Examples include:
 

• severe cold air or hot and humid air
• drastic or sudden changes in the weather
• aspirin sensitivity or aspirin allergies – if you have nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity and asthma, ask your doctor about Samter's Triad, and if there are other possible treatment options for you.
• emotions – sad, happy or stressful (both good and bad stressors).
• exercise – the only asthma trigger not recommended to avoid. By exercising on a regular basis, you build up your endurance and you may see an increase in your asthma control if treated properly. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.

Action: Use the Asthma Triggers handout to help you identify your triggers and possible solutions.