 |
 | Asthma Attack Triggers |
What are the triggers that can cause an asthma attack?
According to the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and other organizations, triggers for asthma include:
Allergens
- pollen
- mold
- house dust/dust mites
- cockroaches
- certain foods
- animal protein (dander, urine, oil from skin)
|
Respiratory Infections and Sinusitis
Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and worsens asthma.
|
Irritants
- strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints, and varnishes
- chemicals such as coal, chalk dust, or talcum powder
- changing weather conditions, including changes in temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and strong winds
- chemical-exposure on the job, such as occupational vapors, dust, gases, or fumes
|
Sensitivity to Medications
Medications, such as aspirin and sulfites, may cause asthmatic attacks as a result of sensitivities or allergies to them. These medications often include:
- other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen
- sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverage
Before giving your child any medication, including over-the-counter medications, talk with your child's physician.
|
Exercise
Exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and dry air. Long-term strenuous activities such as long distance running, are most likely to induce asthma, and swimming is the least likely.
|
Gastroesophageal reflux
GERD, a condition characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is common in individuals with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, or spitting up in infants.
|
Smoke
Tobacco smoke, whether directly or passively inhaled, has been shown to worsen asthma.
Wood smoke from wood-burning heating stoves and fireplaces can release irritating chemicals such as sulfur dioxide.
|
Emotional Anxiety and Nervous Stress
Reactions from stress and anxiety are considered to be more of an effect than a cause. They can cause fatigue, which may affect the immune system and, in turn, increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack.
|
|
|
The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.
|
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000
|