May 2, 2022

Many things can cause an asthma flare-up. Here’s what you need to know to be prepared.

If you have chronic asthma, you have inflamed airways that are sensitive to things that might not affect other people. While you might immediately think of allergens (pollen, mold, etc.) and chemical irritants (cleaners, fumes, dust) as problematic, it’s important to know that there are a number of other less-obvious asthma triggers.

“Some asthma sufferers have only one trigger,” said Basil Kahwash, M.D., of the Vanderbilt Allergy, Sinus and Asthma Program. “Others may have many. Either way, it’s important to that we get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms to flare.”

Common asthma triggers

If you’ve been suffering from asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, look through the asthma triggers list below and play detective — could any of these be affecting you?

List of common asthma triggers: allergens, irritants, exercise, smoke, infections, medicines, emotions and other health conditions.
adult asthma treatment

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