Weather changes can trigger asthma symptoms, as shifts in temperature, humidity, and air pressure affect the airways. Some key weather-related asthma triggers include:

• Cold, dry air: Can irritate the airways and cause bronchoconstriction.
• Hot, humid weather: Encourages mold growth and worsens air pollution, both of which can trigger asthma.
• Thunderstorms: Can break pollen into smaller particles, making them easier to inhale and increasing asthma attacks.^{1 2}
• Sudden temperature changes: Rapid shifts in weather can cause airway inflammation.³

To manage weather-related asthma, monitor forecasts, use air purifiers, and adjust outdoor activities based on conditions.

¹ www.asthma.com ² www.asthmaandlung.org.uk ³ aafa.org

Illnesses, especially respiratory infections, can trigger asthma symptoms and worsen existing conditions. Common illness-related asthma triggers include:

• Colds and flu: Viral infections can inflame the airways, leading to wheezing and breathlessness.
• Sinus infections: Excess mucus and congestion can make breathing more difficult.
• Pneumonia: This lung infection can cause severe asthma flare-ups.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes can worsen asthma symptoms.
• COVID-19: This virus can lead to serious respiratory complications for people with asthma.

Managing illness-related asthma triggers involves getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking early treatment for infections.^{1 2}

¹ www.verywellhealth.com ² www.asthmaandlung.org.uk

Stress can trigger asthma symptoms, making it harder to manage the condition. When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to inflammation in the airways and worsen asthma.¹ Stress can also make you more sensitive to other triggers, such as allergens or infections.²

Some common stress-related asthma triggers include:

• Work pressure or school-related stress.
• Personal conflicts or relationship difficulties.
• Financial worries and major life changes.
• Anxiety and panic attacks, which can cause rapid breathing and airway constriction.³

Managing stress is crucial for asthma control. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation strategies can help reduce stress-related asthma flare-ups.¹

¹ www.healthline.com ² www.asthmaandlung.org.uk ³ www.webmd.com

Strong odors can trigger asthma symptoms, especially for individuals with sensitive airways. Common sources include perfumes, cleaning products, air fresheners, paint fumes, and industrial chemicals.¹ These odors can irritate the respiratory system, leading to wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.²

Some key points:

• Fragrances: Perfumes, colognes, and scented candles can provoke asthma flare-ups.
• Household chemicals: Bleach, varnishes, and adhesives may contain volatile compounds that worsen symptoms.
• Workplace irritants: Paint, insulation materials, and pesticides can be problematic in certain environments.¹
• Air fresheners: Studies show that 41% of people with asthma report health issues from air fresheners or deodorizers.¹

To minimize exposure, opt for fragrance-free products, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid areas with strong chemical smells.

¹ www.asthma.com ² patient.info

Air pollution is a major asthma trigger, affecting both indoor and outdoor environments. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can irritate the airways, leading to inflammation and worsening asthma symptoms.^{1 2}

Some key points:

• Outdoor pollution: Vehicle emissions, industrial fumes, and wildfire smoke can increase asthma attacks.
• Indoor pollution: Cooking fumes, tobacco smoke, mold, and chemical cleaners can contribute to poor air quality.
• Weather impact: High pollution levels combined with humidity or temperature changes can intensify symptoms.
• Long-term effects: Chronic exposure to pollution may increase asthma severity and reduce lung function.³

To minimize exposure, check air quality forecasts, avoid high-traffic areas, use air purifiers indoors, and keep windows closed on high-pollution days.²

¹ asthmafriend.com ² www.asthmaandlung.org.uk ³ www.medicalnewstoday.com

Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, a condition known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).¹ This happens when physical activity causes the airways to narrow, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.²

Some factors that can make exercise-triggered asthma worse include:

• Cold or dry air: Breathing in dry, cool air can irritate the airways.²
• Pollution and allergens: High pollen counts or air pollution can worsen symptoms.³
• Intensity of exercise: Long-distance running or high-intensity workouts may be more triggering.²
• Breathing through the mouth: This bypasses the nose’s ability to warm and humidify air.¹

Despite this, regular exercise is beneficial for asthma management, improving lung function and overall health.¹ Using a reliever inhaler before exercise, warming up properly, and choosing low-impact activities like swimming can help minimize symptoms.⁴

¹ www.healthline.com ² www.mayoclink.org ³ onlinedoctor.superdrug.com ⁴ www.asthmaandlung.org.uk

Pets can be asthma triggers, especially for those with allergic asthma. The allergens come from pet dander (skin flakes), saliva, and urine, rather than fur itself. These particles can linger in the air and settle on furniture, making them difficult to avoid.¹

Some key points:

• Common pet triggers: Cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, and rodents are more likely to cause reactions.²
• Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.¹
• Managing exposure: Keeping pets out of bedrooms, using air purifiers, bathing pets regularly, and vacuuming with HEPA filters can help.³

¹ www.asthmaandlunk.org.uk ² asthma.ca ³ actdontreact.gsk.com

Allergies and pollen are major asthma triggers, especially for those with allergic asthma. When pollen from trees, grass, or weeds is inhaled, it can cause airway inflammation, leading to asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Some key points about pollen and asthma:

• Seasonal allergies: Spring and summer bring tree and grass pollens, while late summer and fall see an increase in weed pollen.¹
• Allergic rhinitis: Hay fever and asthma are closely linked—up to 80% of asthma sufferers also experience allergic rhinitis.²
• Managing exposure: Using air conditioning, keeping windows closed, and monitoring pollen counts can help reduce symptoms.¹

¹ www.asthma.com ² www.uhnm.nhs.uk

Food sensitivities can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms, though they are less common than other triggers like allergens or air pollution. Some foods that may contribute to asthma flare-ups include:

• Dairy products: Milk and cheese can increase mucus production, worsening respiratory issues.¹
• Wheat and gluten: For those with gluten sensitivities, wheat-based foods may cause inflammation and asthma symptoms.²
• Eggs: Some individuals with egg allergies experience asthma-related reactions.¹
• Peanuts and tree nuts: These can trigger severe allergic reactions, including asthma attacks.²
• Soy and shellfish: Common allergens that may lead to breathing difficulties.²
• Food additives: Sulfites, found in dried fruits, wine, and processed foods, can provoke asthma symptoms.³

¹ google.com ² www.asthmandlung.org.uk ³ www.webmd.com

Certain medications can trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of them if you have asthma. Some common medication-related triggers include:

• Aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): These pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause asthma flare-ups in some individuals.¹
• Beta-blockers: Used for heart conditions, high blood pressure, and migraines, these medications can affect lung function and trigger asthma symptoms.²
• ACE inhibitors: Often prescribed for high blood pressure, these drugs can cause coughing, which may worsen asthma.³
• Certain herbal or complementary medicines: Some natural remedies may contain ingredients that can irritate the airways.¹

¹ www.asthmafoundation.org.nz ² asthma.net ³ www.webmd.com

Dust mites and insects are significant asthma triggers, especially for those with allergic asthma. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. Their droppings and body fragments can trigger allergic reactions, leading to asthma symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and even severe attacks.¹

Other insects, such as cockroaches, can also worsen asthma. Their droppings, saliva, and decomposed body parts contain allergens that may trigger respiratory issues.¹

¹ www.asthma.com

Smoking is a strong asthma trigger,¹ whether firsthand (smoking yourself) or secondhand (being around smoke). Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which irritate the airways and cause inflammation.¹ This can lead to worsened asthma symptoms, increased attacks, and reduced lung function.¹

Secondhand smoke is especially harmful for children with asthma, increasing their risk of severe symptoms and hospital stays.¹ If you have asthma, avoiding smoky environments and quitting smoking (if applicable) can significantly improve your condition.²

¹ asthma.net ² asthmaandlung.org.uk