A trigger is something that makes asthma worse or brings on an attack.
Triggers are different for everyone and often it’s not just one trigger that sets off an asthma attack but a combination of several triggers around the same time.
Knowing as much as you can about your asthma triggers is important so that you can avoid or reduce your exposure to them, making your asthma easier to handle.
Pollen and Plants
A number of plants are associated with triggering asthma and hay fever symptoms in some people.
Workplace Triggers
You might feel that your asthma gets worse soon after starting a new job or while you are doing a particular part of your job, or that your asthma improves when you are not at work.
Colds and the Flu
Colds and ‘flu viruses along with throat and nose infections can bring on asthma episodes. The first signs are usually a blocked or runny nose or a sore throat.
Smoke / Fumes
Triggers in the air include factory smoke and car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, fly sprays, strong perfumes and aerosol cleaning sprays.
Exercise induced Asthma
Physical activity is especially important for people with asthma.
However, for many people with asthma, physical activity can trigger symptoms during or after exercise.
Emotions
Some people find that changing emotions such as being worried, uptight, stressed, excited or happy, can make their asthma worse.
Home environment
Changes in your home environment or a move to a new house can trigger asthma.
Follow an Asthma Action Plan
An Asthma Action Plan can help you work out how well you are and what to do if your asthma gets worse or better.
Research shows that people who follow Asthma Action Plans have better control over their asthma.
