Asthma is a chronic condition that affects both children and adults. The illness is non-communicable and affects the airway muscles causing them to tighten. People experience varying triggers that cause inflammation of the airways leading to the lungs. Once a patient has been exposed to said triggers, they start experiencing trouble breathing and need medical attention or medication as soon as possible. Trouble breathing in turn makes it nearly impossible to complete any physical tasks since the body especially the brain is not getting enough oxygen.

Asthma currently affects over 25 million Americans according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Asthma patients account for 1.6 million visits to the emergency room each year. With the right diagnosis and medication, you can lead a healthy and productive life. However, without medicine, a patient would rely on the emergency room doctors and nurses to get them back to good health each time they get an attack. It is unclear why some people get asthma while others do not, but it is plausible that a combination of environmental and genetic factors plays a role. That said, here are the different asthma triggers.

Asthma Triggers
Asthma patients appear perfectly healthy when the condition is not triggered. When exposed to the following triggers the symptoms quickly present themselves making breathing an impossible task.

1. Physical Activity
Some asthma patients cannot go on hikes or long runs because physical activity triggers asthma. For these patients, activities like riding a bike or walking up several stairs flights are daunting tasks that they cannot complete.

2. Air Pollutants
Some patients get ill when they inhale smoke or dust particles. Other patients may get an asthma attack if they inhale strong scents or pollen from plants. Other triggers include dust mites, mold spores, and cockroach waste. If you have pets, pet dander can also be a trigger. Any substances that can be carried into the air should be cleaned to thrown away.

3. Cold Air
Any sudden changes in the weather can trigger an asthmatic reaction. Inhaling cold air is not advisable for asthma patients because it triggers the contraction of airway muscles.

4. Tobacco Smoke
Some asthma patients get triggered by tobacco smoke or smoke from burning items. These patients should avoid smoking zones and areas where people are burning things.

5. Stress and Other Emotional Triggers
When some patients experience strong emotions they get an asthmatic attack. Scientists have researched the topic and discovered that emotional strain causes physical damage to the body.

6. Medications Such as Aspirin
Some asthma patients are allergic to some medications such as Aspirin. Ingested substances can irritate the lining of the breathing ways causing an asthmatic attack.

7. Food Additives and Preservatives
Scientists have long advised patients to adjust their diet to improve their quality of life. Most foods in the market today contain food preservatives like sulfites. Foods like shrimp, pickles, and alcoholic drinks contain sulfites linked to asthmatic attacks.

Final Thoughts
Once you have a positive diagnosis from a doctor, there are a few things you can do to make your life easier. Keeping a clean environment is a great way to keep asthma at bay. Identify your triggers so you can work around them.