An asthma trigger is a thing, activity or condition that makes asthma worse. When you encounter a trigger it can cause a sudden worsening of symptoms, often called an asthma attack, episode or flare-up.
Common asthma triggers include respiratory infections, allergens, irritants, exercise and emotions. Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step toward controlling your asthma. Allergy testing may help you identify your triggers. Your healthcare provider can help you recognize what makes your asthma worse, and help find simple solutions to reduce and avoid asthma triggers.
The most common asthma triggers include:
Removing Asthma Triggers in the Home
By removing asthma triggers in the home we improve air quality and reduce asthma symptoms in children and adults. Removing asthma triggers has proven to decrease hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and rescue medication use.
Once you know what triggers cause your symptoms, you can take action to limit your exposure to them. Below are three ways to deal with your triggers:
- Avoid them. Keep your environment free of the things that cause your asthma symptoms.
- Limit exposure. If suddenly faced with a trigger, move away from it as quickly as possible.
- Take action. If you can't avoid a trigger, ask your healthcare provider if you can use quick-relief medicine to prevent a flare-up.
To learn more about how to keep the air in your home healthy visit Clean Air at Home.
Worksheets & Posters
Asthma Triggers in the Home
Avoid & Control Asthma Triggers
Page last updated: October 23, 2024