Unfortunately, the exact causes of asthma are unknown and triggers vary from person to person. The wide range of possible causes and provocations makes it difficult to prevent an asthma attack from occurring. There do seem to be some triggers that are more common than others. This article will identify and briefly describe a number of potential causes and triggers. If you have asthma, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about certain allergies and other likely triggers.
- Allergies: If you have many allergies — to foods or materials in the air — you are more likely to contract asthma. If you are allergic to tree pollen, for example, an allergic reaction to that substance can trigger an asthma attack.
- Exercise: Because asthma is a respiratory disorder, exercise can elicit an outburst. Signs of an asthma attack during a workout include shortness of breath and tightness in the chest.
- Heartburn: Asthma sufferers often experience symptoms of heartburn. Research has been conducted about the similar causes of heartburn and asthma.
- Smoking: It’s been proven that smokers are at a higher risk of procuring asthma. In addition, if you have asthma and you smoke, the likelihood of an attack increases.
- Sinusitis: Sinus issues can predict and even cause asthma because both concern inflammation of mucous membranes. If your sinuses become inflamed, your airways are often soon to follow.
- Medications: People with asthma are typically reactive to medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. It’s unknown why these drugs have an effect on the airways, but it commonly is the case.
- Weather: There are different substances in the air during different seasons, which can trigger an attack, but changes in humidity or temperate can do the same.
