Asthma Triggers

People with asthma have “triggers”. Triggers can be different for each person with asthma. Triggers provoke asthma symptoms, or make asthma worse. Controlling exposure to triggers can help keep someone with asthma well. The following is a list of common asthma triggers:

Allergens

  • Dust Mites
  • Animals: dog, cat, rabbit, birds, rats, horses
  • Pollen from trees, grass, weeds
  • Molds
  • Cockroaches
  • Rodents and their droppings
  • Food: Peanuts, eggs, strawberries etc.

Changes in Weather

  • Snow
  • Wind
  • Extreme cold
  • Extreme heat

Irritants

  • Perfume
  • Hairspray
  • Paint fumes
  • Cleaning products

Illness

  • Colds
  • Influenza (flu)
  • Sinus infection
  • Other respiratory illnesses

Smoke-related Irritants

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Cigar smoke
  • Pipe smoke
  • Wild fires
  • Wood burning
  • Car exhaust
  • Air pollution

Strong Emotions

  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Upset
  • Fear
  • Excitement
  • Sadness
  • Laughter

For more information, see the Asthma Initiative of Michigan.