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. Knowing as much as you can about your triggers is important, so that you can avoid or reduce your exposure to them.
Triggers are different for everyone, and sometimes more than one trigger sets off an asthma attack. 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, uptight, stressed, excited or happy, can make their asthma worse. At times you may need professional help to balance your emotions, and your doctor will be able to refer you to an appropriate professional.
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