Causes of Asthma

Asthma Triggers:

The person with asthma has airways that are sensitive to, and react to, a variety of external and some internal factors that are referred to as "triggers." Not all people with asthma react to every trigger, just as each person's body may not react identically to a trigger that previously caused an asthma attack. There are a number of triggers that have been known to affect many individuals with asthma. If you've been experiencing flare-ups of your asthma, but haven't been able to determine the precise origin of why, or if you're a newly diagnosed asthmatic, a close examination of these common triggers may be warranted.

Internal Triggers

Stress:

Stress and anxiety can make you feel short of breath and may worsen asthma symptoms. While it isn't reasonable to think that stress can be altogether avoided in day-to-day life, it is important that you develop effective methods of handling stress. If your job is particularly stressful, try to cut back some hours or find ways of lessening your work load. Be honest with family members and friends, and let them know that experiencing stress can aggravate your asthma. They can hopefully help by managing some external factors for you.

Infection:

Any infection in the body can affect the lungs, causing inflammation and constricting airways. For this reason it is not only important to stay as healthy as possible to ward off infections, but to be aware of any lung symptoms, however mild, so you can avoid an asthma attack. Again, this is where minor exercise comes into play. If you have a moderate exercise regimen, infection is less likely to affect you. And again, your diet will help on this front as well. Keeping yourself as healthy as possible is the best way to avoid infection. If you have friends or family that have contagious symptoms, respectfully try to keep your distance. Infection can manifest itself in a much more dramatic and serious way in asthmatics.

External Factors

Dust Mites:

In the United States, these microscopic creatures are present in nearly every house, living in carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and even curtains. If you haven’t dusted in a while and you do so, it can easily trigger an attack if you’re an asthmatic. The best way to avoid dust mites is, unfortunately, to dust often. If you live by yourself, you might consider hiring someone to do this for you so you can avoid attacks. If you live with roommates or family, see if you can’t delegate this task to them in exchange for another, trigger-free chore.

Pets:

Dogs and cats are often triggers for asthma attacks. Other pets, such as birds, ferrets, and rabbits may cause sensitivity in some individuals as well. If pets are triggers to your asthma, it is best if you don’t have any, or have ones that don’t serve as a trigger. In some instances there are medications you can take if you can’t bear to part with your pet. Consult your doctor to see what the best methods might be to curb your asthma.