Know Your Asthma Triggers

Identifying what triggers bouts of asthma for you and managing exposure is an important exercise. While you can't always avoid them, minimising exposure is helpful.

Nowadays, a lot more patients are visiting hospitals due to asthma symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing, cough with sputum. But why is it so? Let’s dig inside the disease process, what is triggering the symptoms. 

The most common cause is tobacco smoke. Smoke generates oxidative stress and proinflammatory effects on the lungs which in turn increases airway obstruction and accelerates the normal annual decline in lung function. Even second hand smoke, that is generated by the smoker and inhaled by second person, can trigger asthma. So the most effective treatment is to cut the exposure to smoke and to quit smoking if you do.

Another important trigger is air pollution. There is growing evidence of increased risk for asthma on exposure to traffic related pollutants like NO2 and PM2.5. Even indoor air pollutants like paints, adhesives, flooring chemicals, cleaning products, combustion products from cooking and heater, mosquito coils do contribute in triggering asthma. Reports have indicated increased lung morbidity due to air pollution and cold air. So always plan your outdoor activities when air pollution is low and can apply masks to prevent exposure. Even dietary supplementation with Vitamin C and Vitamin E can lower susceptibility to air pollution.

Another important trigger is dust mites, which are tiny bugs found in every corner of each home. To cut their exposure, avoid carpets and soft toys at home, wash your pillow covers and bed linens with warm water regularly.

Psychosocial factors also play a huge role. Stress, anxiety, childhood adverse events, and depression do contribute as risk factors for asthma. Use of antianxiety and antidepressant drugs and maintaining healthy lifestyle could contribute to reduction in stress.

Furry pets could produce animal dander and thus trigger asthma. Pet allergens can get into the air and are small enough to get into the lungs. The best treatment is to avoid exposure as much as possible. Keep the pet outdoors and washing the pet weekly may reduce allergen exposure.

Some people have mold allergies. People like farmers, dairy workers, carpenters, mill workers, winemakers are at great risk to have mold allergy. The best way to prevent is to reduce indoor humidity, usage of air conditioners with high efficiency particulate air filter and to avoid contact.

Even Viral infections linked to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus can trigger asthma. Several studies have reported that early RSV infection can increase asthma exacerbation rates and decline the lung functions. Good asthma control medication like inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids and use of anti-flu vaccinations are preventive strategies in fighting asthma exacerbations.

Obesity has shown to increase the risk of asthma by 50%.Obesity has been associated with low grade inflammation and the resultant oxidative stress do contribute to asthma. Physical inactivity has been associated with poor asthma control. Studies have shown that weight loss has been associated with significant improvement in asthma control and higher symptomatic remission rate.

Patients suffering from rhinitis and rhinosinusitis are more liable to have asthma supporting unified airway concept. The degree of sinus disease is directly related to eosinophilia airway and systemic inflammation.

 Beta-blockers have been implicated in triggering asthma symptoms. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may trigger symptoms in some people with asthma. So we should use these medications judiciously. Asthmatic patients should avoid strong fragrances of perfumes, paints, adhesives, kerosene, petrol, and food additives. 

At last patients, who have the symptoms of asthma should take their medications regularly and religiously and avoid these triggering agents to lead a healthy and happy life.