Common Causes of Asthma Episodes

People with asthma have airways that are super sensitive to things that do not bother others. These are called triggers, since they may start an episode when you are near them or come in contact with them. Airways may swell, produce too much mucus and tighten up. Some of the common triggers include:

• Dander (flakes) of skin, hair, or feathers from warm-blooded pets: dogs, cats, birds and small rodents
• House dust mites
• Cockroaches
• Pollens from grasses, trees, molds and flowers
• Molds
• Cigarette smoke or wood smoke
• Scented products such as perfumes, hair sprays, cosmetics or cleaning products
• Strong odors from paints or cooking
• Automobile fumes and air pollution
• Upper airway infections and colds
• Exercise
• Showing strong feelings (laughing or crying)
• Changes in weather and temperature

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