Beyond the Most Common Asthma Triggers
Besides the most common asthma triggers covered on the previous page (allergens and irritants), there are a few other factors that might be triggering your asthma symptoms.
Medications That Act as Asthma Triggers
Medications can sometimes trigger allergic responses that include asthma symptoms too. As with food, an individual can be allergic to almost ANY medicine, but the following medicines are known to be common triggers in many people:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs for short), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others
- Beta blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, migraines, and glaucoma
When you have asthma, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any new medication, including over-the-counter medicines you buy without a prescription.
Other Disease Conditions That May Trigger Asthma Symptoms
In some people, other diseases or illnesses can trigger asthma symptoms too. For instance, there is a known link between reflux diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and asthma. Viral respiratory infections can also trigger or worsen asthma symptoms. This includes infections such as colds or viral pneumonia, and are especially likely in young children.
Exercise as an Asthma Trigger
Exercise, especially intense exercise, is also a known asthma trigger. This condition is called "exercise-induced asthma," or EIA for short. Exercise does not trigger asthma symptoms in every person with asthma, but when it does, look for symptoms to develop within 15 to 20 minutes after exercise.
Emotional Factors and Asthma Triggers
Actually, emotional anxiety or stress alone cannot trigger asthma symptoms. However, they can increase the likelihood that your symptoms will be triggered by other factors. This is because stress can lower your overall wellness and ability to resist illness and disease. When you manage your stress, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest, your body will be in better shape to deal with the many environmental triggers you encounter.
