The Triggers Causing Asthma Symptoms And Attacks

February 11th, 2010 | Under: Articles, Asthma »

Asthma represents a chronic inflammation occurring in the bronchial airways which provoke constriction and swelling of the airways. As a result asthma sufferers experience difficulty breathing. The narrowing of the bronchial airways is normally either totally or partially reversible by the help of some treatments.

The symptoms of asthma might become activated and aggravated by lots of agents. Actually not all asthma sufferers respond to some particular triggers. In addition, the effect which a particular trigger produces on the lungs differs from one person to another one. Generally, the seriousness of asthma depends on the number of agents that activate the symptoms and also on how sensitive the lungs appear to be to these triggers. Most triggers may as well worsen eye and nasal symptoms.

In general all the triggers fall in 2 categories that are represented by:

first, allergens (specific triggers) and also

nonallergens – (nonspecific irritants).

Actually when the bronchial airways (eyes and nose) get inflamed from some allergic exposure, then a re-exposure to these offending allergens is likely to activate the symptoms. The reactive bronchial airways may also react to some other triggers, like infections, exercise as well as to some other irritants. Here goes a simple checklist.

Main asthma triggers include:

Allergens

  • Molds, year-round dust mites, pets as well as insect parts
  • Certain seasonal pollens
  • Such foods as egg, fish, nuts, soy, peanuts, cow’s milk
  • Various additives like, for example, sulfites
  • Some work-related agents like latex

Allergy fact

Approximately 80 per cent of kids and 50 per cent of adults suffering from asthma have allergies as well.

Irritants

A number of respiratory infections, like those provoked by viral colds, sinusitis and bronchitis;

medications, like aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medicines, as well as beta blockers (for treating blood pressure as well as some other heart disorders);

the following outdoor factors: diesel fumes, weather changes, smog;

the following indoor factors: paint, chemicals, deodorants, perfumes, detergents;

tobacco smoke;

nighttime;

gastroesophageal reflux disorder;

exercise, in particular under dry, cold conditions;

some work-related conditions like gases, dusts, chemicals, metals;

such hormonal conditions as premenstrual syndrome;

the following emotional factors: distress, yelling, crying and laughing.

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