Asthma triggers are substances or conditions that irritate the airways in your lungs, causing them to narrow and inflame. This can lead to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Here are some of the most common asthma triggers:
- Allergens: Indoor allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings, and outdoor allergens like pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
- Irritants: Smoke from tobacco, cigars, or wood fires, air pollution, strong chemicals, and fragrances.
- Respiratory infections: The common cold, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger asthma symptoms, especially in children.
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA): Cold, dry air, or strenuous exercise can trigger asthma symptoms.
- Medications: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can worsen asthma symptoms in some people.
- Stress: Emotional stress can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.
- Weather: Cold, dry air and high humidity can trigger asthma symptoms.
Treatment Options for Asthma
There is no cure for asthma, but there are effective treatments that can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life. The two main types of asthma medications are:
- Long-term control medications: These medications are taken daily to help prevent asthma symptoms and reduce inflammation in the airways. They include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting beta-agonists.
- Quick-relief medications: These medications are used to relieve asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. They include short-acting beta-agonists and oral corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of medication that helps reduce inflammation in the airways. They are the most effective medication for long-term control of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred type of corticosteroid