Adult Information
Asthma? What is it?
Asthma Action Plan
Asthma Brochures
Asthma Control
Asthma & Exercise
Asthma Triggers
Asthma Tools
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Education Videos
FAQs
Medications
Roadmap to Asthma Control
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Translated Resources
When & Where to Get Help

Adult Information

Asthma Triggers
Some things irritate the lungs and make asthma worse - these irritants are called asthma triggers. Some asthma triggers may be encountered every day. When you spend a lot of time near your triggers, it is more difficult to keep asthma controlled (and to feel better).
	Inflammatory.  Causes swelling in the airways.  Some examples of  inflammatory triggers are animal dander, dust mites, mould, colds and pollen.  Try to avoid these, but if you are unable to avoid them, you may need preventer medication.
	Irritants.  Cause muscles in the airways to contract. Some examples of irritants are smoke, perfume, bleach, cold air, fog, ozone and chemicals.  Use your reliever medication to relax the muscles. Some irritants may also cause swelling and may require the use of your preventer medication.
	Non-inflammatory and non-irritant. Cause muscles to contract.  Examples of these are strong emotions and exercise.  Use reliever medication to relax the muscles.

Below are some common triggers that make asthma worse for many people. All asthma triggers may not be on this list and all the things on this list may not bother your  asthma such as viral infections and tobacco smoke. It's important to know your  own asthma triggers, so you can reduce contact with them as much as possible.  If you are unsure about your allergic triggers (animal dander, dust mites, pollen, moulds, etc.),  discuss allergy testing with your doctor.

Click here to view a larger version of this table.

Need some tips for simple cleaning strategies?  Click here to view a simple checklist. 

Other links for information on Triggers:
Children's Hospital of Eastern Canada 
 

Page Last Updated July 2009