E A S Y B R E A T H E R S - Air Pollution - Air Pollution Impacts on Health: Common Triggers for Asthma

Air Pollution Impacts on Health: Common Triggers for Asthma

A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and induces an asthma attack. Things that trigger asthma attack differ from person to person. Below are some common asthma triggers that are allergic and non-allergic.

Common Asthma Triggers: Allergic

House dust mites
Mold or yeast spores
Pollen
Cat hair, saliva and urine
Dog hair and saliva
Cockroach particles
Aspirin or other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
Metabisulfite which is used as a preservative in various drinks and some foods

Common Asthma Triggers: Non-Allergic

Tobacco smoke
Smog
Natural gas, propane or kerosene used as cooking fuel
Wood smoke
Coal smoke
Gas, wood, coal and kerosene heating units
Paint fumes
Viral respiratory infections
Exercise
Weather changes
Open burning

For more information on asthma, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: http://www.aafa.org/
You can also learn more from the EPA about asthma at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/asthma/.