by Grandma McGraw

Created on: November 15, 2011   Last Updated: November 20, 2011

Because asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system, individuals with this condition need to learn to identify and anticipate the factors that might bring on an attack. Asthma attacks lead to difficulty breathing and other distressing symptoms that may require the attention of a doctor or hospital. In both adults and children, learning what causes asthma symptoms can be not only a sensible precaution but also an essential, life-saving precaution.

There are two categories of triggers. The first and most obvious is allergens, usually airborne substances that can occur in homes and offices, even in nature. These include house dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander (especially cats), indoor mold, and many kinds of pollen. These allergens will vary greatly from one individual to another and may require that the patient be tested for allergies by a doctor. Another way to identify allergies is to eliminate the most common factors; for example, send a cat to a kennel or to a neighbor to determine if the cat dander is the allergen. One man eventually determined that he was allergic to the mint in his toothpaste after carefully logging the exact times his asthma occurred and eliminating every other possible allergen.

Other asthma triggers are not necessarily allergies but other irritants that cause asthma symptoms. They include air pollution, smoke, colds, flu, and sinusitis. Other common causes relate to exercise, especially exercise in cold air. Some patients suffer from asthma symptoms when they ingest certain medications such as aspirin and other pain medications. It is possible to suffer from asthma symptoms as the result of hormonal changes surrounding menstrual periods and pregnancy.

Keeping track of when and where asthma occurs is essential. Some doctors recommend keeping a diary of symptoms and activities, trying to identify a pattern of possible causes. Go to a doctor to be tested for allergies if asthma reoccurs frequently. Skin or blood testing will indicate which substances are likely to be causing attacks. Finally, take the time to measure lung function with an inexpensive home monitoring device called a Peak Flow Meter. By recording the results of using such a monitor, the patient will learn to understand when a trigger is present.

By avoiding asthma triggers or limiting exposure to the factors that cause asthma some attacks may be prevented. At the very least, the severest of attacks may be alleviated and the overall risk to the lungs will be minimized.  

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