An asthma trigger is a thing, activity or condition that makes asthma worse. When you encounter a trigger it can cause a sudden worsening of symptoms, often called an asthma attack, episode or flare-up.
Common asthma triggers include respiratory infections, allergens, irritants, exercise and emotions. Knowing what causes your asthma symptoms is an important step toward controlling your asthma. Allergy testing may help you identify your triggers. Your healthcare provider can help you recognize what makes your asthma worse, and help find simple solutions to reduce and avoid asthma triggers.
The most common asthma triggers include:
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Avoiding and Controlling Your Asthma Triggers worksheet
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Page last updated: April 2, 2020