What Are Asthma Triggers?

Asthma triggers are things that can make asthma symptoms worse or cause an asthma attack. These triggers affect the airways, making them swollen, tight, or filled with mucus, which makes it hard to breathe. Everyone’s asthma is different, so triggers can vary from person to person.

What are the most common asthma triggers?

Some of the most common asthma triggers include [1] [2]:

Colds and flu – viral infections can make asthma symptoms worse
Dust mites – tiny bugs found in bedding, carpets, and furniture
Pollen – especially in spring and summer during high pollen counts
Animal fur or dander – from pets like cats, dogs, or rabbits
Cold air – breathing in cold or dry air can tighten the airways
Smoke – including tobacco smoke, wood fires, or fumes
Exercise – especially in cold weather or without warming up
Stress or strong emotions – anxiety or excitement can trigger symptoms
Pollution – outdoor air pollution and strong smells like cleaning sprays or perfumes

Do asthma triggers affect everyone the same way?

No. One person may react badly to pollen, while another has trouble after exercise or exposure to smoke. That’s why it’s important to know your personal triggers so you can manage them better.

How can you find out your asthma triggers?

To identify your triggers, try keeping a diary of:

When your symptoms appear
What you were doing at the time
Where you were and what was around you

Share this information with your GP or asthma nurse. They can help confirm your triggers and update your asthma action plan accordingly.

How can you avoid asthma triggers?

While not all triggers can be avoided completely, there are ways to reduce your exposure:

Keep your home clean and dust-free
Use allergy-proof covers on bedding
Stay indoors during high pollen days
Keep pets out of bedrooms and off furniture
Wear a scarf over your mouth in cold weather
Avoid smoking and smoky environments
Use your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed

What should you do if you're exposed to a trigger?

If you come into contact with something that triggers your asthma:

Use your reliever inhaler (usually a blue one) as soon as symptoms start
Follow your asthma action plan
Rest and stay calm to help your breathing settle
Seek medical help if symptoms don’t improve

Key Takeaways

Asthma triggers are things that can make your symptoms worse or cause an asthma attack.
Common triggers include pollen, dust, pets, cold air, smoke, and infections.
Everyone has different triggers, so it's important to learn what affects you.
Avoiding or managing your triggers can help keep your asthma under control.
Always use your asthma medication as prescribed and follow your asthma action plan.

Reminder: Knowing your asthma triggers and how to manage them is a key part of staying healthy. Talk to your healthcare professional if you're not sure what’s causing your symptoms.

Sources

[1] Number of patient-reported asthma triggers predicts uncontrolled disease among specialist-treated patients with severe asthma. Chipps, Bradley E. et al. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 130, Issue 6, 784 - 790.e5

[2] Price D, Dale P, Elder E, Chapman KR. Types, frequency and impact of asthma triggers on patients' lives: a quantitative study in five European countries. J Asthma. 2014 Mar;51(2):127-35. doi: 10.3109/02770903.2013.846369. Epub 2013 Nov 4. PMID: 24050523; PMCID: PMC3934435.