Asthma Triggers
Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step to controlling your asthma. Identify your asthma triggers and learn simple ways to limit your exposure or avoid them all together. Check with your healthcare provider if an allergy skin test may help you to identify allergens.
The most common asthma triggers include:
Medical Conditions
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Food & Medicines
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Smoke
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Weather, Pollen, & Air Pollution
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Animals
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Pests
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Mold
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Exercise
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Emotions
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Strong Odors
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Respiratory Infections, such as a cold, flu, or sinus infection, are the most common cause of asthma symptoms leading to an asthma flare-up. Check out the 
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by food allergies as well as medicines. In addition to aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs, remember to tell your healthcare provider about any alternative therapies or herbal remedies that could have an impact on your asthma.
If you smoke, you should make a plan to quit. If you don’t smoke, but live with someone who does, discuss ways to avoid or limit your exposure to tobacco smoke. The American Lung Association offers many ways to 
Changes in the season can bring on an asthma episode due to increased pollen in the air. Limit your time outdoors during high pollen times of the year such as spring and fall. Also, extreme temperatures can trigger symptoms of asthma. Be prepared for the weather before you leave your home.
Keep pet kisses to a minimum! Dander and saliva from pets can be allergen for some and can cause asthma symptoms. Also, reduce your exposure to pet allergens by keeping pets out of the bedroom or other rooms where you spend a lot of time.
Changes in the season can bring on an asthma episode due to increased Pests in the home, workplace or school can impact your asthma. To reduce your exposure to these triggers, wash bedding regularly, fix leaks, store garbage outside, vacuum and dust weekly, as well as using allergen-proof pillow and mattress covers.
Mold is an allergen they can trigger your asthma symptoms. You can reduce your exposure to mold by cleaning visible mold, throwing away moldy items, running a dehumidifier and using the exhaust fan when taking a shower.
Staying active is very important to your overall health and wellbeing. If you have exercise-induced asthma, use your reliever medication prior to physical activity if prescribed. Remember to monitor the air quality if you plan to exercise outside.
Everyday comes with its ups and down emotionally. It's important to remember that strong emotion can increase rapid breathing and trigger asthma symptoms. Stress, both personal and work-related, can be a major trigger as well.
Scents from household items such as perfumes, deodorants and cleaning supplies can affect a person with asthma. When possible, avoid use of products with odors. If you live with someone who has asthma, ventilate the house during and after the use of strong smelling cleaning products.
