Triggers

indentifying triggers

Asthma triggers are different for everyone. Our website has lots of information to help you reduce or avoid your exposure to triggers. Your doctor, practice nurse or asthma educator may also have some good ideas for you.

What are triggers?

A trigger is something that makes asthma worse or brings on an attack. It is important to know as much as you can about your triggers, so that you can avoid or reduce your exposure to them.

Triggers are different for everyone, and sometimes it might be more than one trigger that sets off an asthma episode. Remember to pay particular attention to your triggers when your asthma is troublesome, as you will react more to them during this time. The lists below describe some common triggers:

animals
colds/the flu
dustmites
exercise
food additives (including colours and preservatives)
fumes, strong smells, chemicals, perfumes, air pollution and smog
medications (i.e. all non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), beta blockers, aspirin)
moulds
pollens and plants
smoke
temperature/cold air/change of weather
occupational hazards
pre-menstrual hormone changes

Some people also find that their changing emotions (such as being worried, up-tight, stressed, excited or happy) can make asthma worse. At times you may need professional help to balance your emotions, and your doctor will be able to refer you to the appropriate person.