Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Symptoms

Asthma episodes rarely occur without symptoms. Most people with asthma have warning signs (physical changes) that occur hours before symptoms appear.

Think back on your last asthma episode.

Did you have any of the signs below?

• Coughing (chronic cough, especially at night)
  
• Wheezing (a whistling noise when you breathe)
  
• Tightness in chest or chest hurts (the feeling that someone is squeezing or sitting on your chest)
  
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (getting out of breath easily)
  
• Fast breathing
  
• Itchy, scratchy or sore throat
  
• Stroking chin or throat
  
• Runny or stuffy nose
  
• Sneezing, head stopped up
  
• Headache, fever
  
• Restless
  
• Tiredness
  
• Drop in peak flow reading
  
• Tired, itchy, watery or glassy eyes
  
• Dark circles under eyes
  
• Pale complexion
  
• Irritability
  
• Trouble sleeping
  
  

Warning signs are not the same for everyone. You may have different signs at different times. By knowing your warning signs and acting on them, you may be able to avoid a serious episode of asthma. Check your warning(s) and show them to your doctor and family. Remember to follow your asthma control plan as soon as these signs appear.

Triggers

Most asthma triggers fall into one of the following categories: infections, strong smells or irritants, weather changes, exercise, strong feelings and allergies.

• Infections - Viral infections such as colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections and/or sinusitis are common triggers.
  
  
• Strong smells or irritants - Strong smells or irritants include a broad range of substances which, when inhaled, can irritate sensitive bronchial tubes. Some common irritants include smoke (especially from cigarettes), cooking fumes, strong odors, newspaper ink, solvents, aerosols and sprays, powders and perfumes.
  
  
• Weather changes - Weather changes often trigger asthma. This includes changes in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure.
  
  
• Exercise - Exercise-induced asthma causes fast breathing through the mouth. Consequently, the air that reaches the bronchial tubes has not been warmed or humidified by the nose and upper airways as it is with normal breathing. The cooling and drying within the airways can trigger symptoms. Sustained exercise causes the most problems.
  
  
• Strong feelings - Strong feelings may trigger asthma signals because of the change in the breathing pattern that accompanies the emotion. Laughing and crying are examples of emotionally related behaviors that can trigger symptoms.
  
  
• Allergies - An allergy is another possible trigger. People who have allergies react with unusual sensitivity to substances that are normally harmless. (These substances are called allergens).
  
  Some common allergens include pollens, molds, house dust and dust mites.
  
  
  • Pollens - Either the wind or insects can carry pollens, which are microscopic in size and very light. Grass and ragweed pollens are light enough to be carried for miles by air currents. The pollens from many flowering plants, such as goldenrod, are heavier and usually carried by insects. These cause fewer asthma symptoms.
    
    
  • Molds - Mold spores are spread by currents and tend to flourish where there is moisture and high humidity.
    
    Molds can be found in the house, outdoors and in certain foods. Common indoor locations for mold growth include bathrooms, damp basements, humidifiers, vaporizers, air conditioners, dried flowers and soil in live plants. Old pillows and mattresses can be potential sites for mold growth because perspiration during sleep provides the moisture needed for mold growth. Outdoor locations for mold growth include leaves, mulch, compost piles and soil. Cutting the lawn can release mold spores in the air, which can trigger symptoms. Occasionally, mold-containing foods, such as aged cheese or vinegar-containing foods, can cause mild symptoms.
    
    
  • House Dust and Dust Mites - House dust may contain insect debris, animal dander, human dander, food remnants and fibers from different fabrics. Dust mites feed on house dust and thrive in mattresses and pillows because of the warmth and available human dander. Mite excrement is another harmful component of house dust.