PharmEasy Blog

What Are Asthma Triggers & How You Can Avoid Them

Asthma is a respiratory condition that is caused due to the narrowing of the airways in response to various triggers around us. This condition is chronic and is characterized by a number of symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing and wheezing.

What Are Asthma Triggers?

Asthma attacks are most commonly triggered when you are exposed to asthma triggers or allergens. It is important to identify your triggers and take active efforts to avoid asthma triggers. Here are some common asthma triggers and tips that one can use to avoid or manage them.

Asthma triggers may vary depending on seasonal changes as allergens can change throughout the year based on the seasons. Understand more about seasonal asthma triggers here.

1. Asthma Triggers Present In The Air

There are various asthma triggers that are present in the air. Of these, the most common asthma triggers are pollen, cigarette smoke, air pollution, humidity and dust. Pollen is the main trigger and asthmatics are advised to stay indoors during peak pollen times. Additionally, it is recommended to use air conditioning in their houses rather than opening the windows and/or using the fan. This not only reduces the humidity but also lowers the individual’s risks of being triggered by dust and other indoor air pollutants.

2. Mould

Mould or rather, breathing in mould can lead to an individual experiencing an asthma attack. It is important that the asthmatic checks their house for mould at least once a month. This is especially true if the individual lives in an area that has a humid climate. This is because house mould grows and thrives in humidity. The best way to avoid this trigger would be to check for mould and get rid of it immediately if found. Additionally, using an air conditioner instead of a fan helps lower the humidity of the house. If you do not have access to an air conditioner, it is advised to invest in a dehumidifier to control the humidity in the house.

3. Animal Dander

Pet dander is a trigger for an asthma attack. Various proteins that are found in the saliva or urine of the animal could also cause an episode for an asthmatic. If avoiding the animal altogether is not an option, it is important to keep the animal outside the house as much as possible. If it is an indoor pet, then the individual must bathe the animal regularly and limit the pet’s access to a particular area of the house. Make sure that the pet stays out of your bedroom at all times.

4. Cockroaches

Cockroaches are known to be carriers of diseases and are one of the triggering factors of asthma. They are a common and year-round allergy trigger and may even lead to an asthma attack. If you notice a cockroach in the house, then call an exterminator immediately. In addition to this, ensure that no food or drink is left out in the open and that all of it is covered.

5. Disinfectants and Cleaners

Disinfectants are also asthma triggers and can also cause asthma attacks. People with asthma should be careful when disinfectants are being used and avoid them. When it comes to limiting your exposure to disinfectants, follow a proper cleaning schedule and try using safer products. Make sure that is proper ventilation in the room before you start cleaning and use protective gear.

Allergy triggers can also lead to asthma attacks even when you’ve been following proper instructions and have all your symptoms in check. It is important to keep track of your triggers and effectively avoid them as much as you can. If you are unable to identify your triggers, make sure you visit your doctor for professional advice and an effective treatment plan for the same. If you’d like to understand this better, here are a few ways to reduce your asthma triggers at home.

Brought to you by Cipla

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

2

Occupational Asthma: Diagnosis, Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which matter found in the workplace causes the airways of the lungs to become narrow and even swell. This leads to shortness of breath, attacks of wheezing, chest tightness and coughing. One in 10 cases of asthma in adults (equally childhood asthma symptoms returning and new asthma symptoms) has its origins in work-related factors.

Diagnosis

There are two types of occupational asthma: Allergic occupational asthma and irritant-induced occupational asthma. The former is the most common type and occurs when people are allergic to certain substances in their workplace. The latter occurs when one breathes in a chemical at the workplace and it irritates the airways, causing asthma symptoms.

If your answer is yes to the following questions, you might be suffering from occupational asthma:

Your doctor will suggest you run a few tests where the specialist might carry out a number of blood or skin tests and may also ask you to take measurements of your peak flow both at work and when you’re away from your workplace.

Signs & Symptoms

The early warning signs for occupational asthma include sneezing, itching or a runny nose. If you notice any of these symptoms and they go on for longer than a few weeks, it could be a timely indication that you’re developing an allergy. Coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing are typical symptoms of developing an allergy.

Treatment

If you have work aggravated asthma or allergic occupational asthma, the material that caused your asthma symptoms will always be an activator for your asthma symptoms. For example, if dust is your trigger, it is sensible to avoid working as a carpenter.

The only way to stop having occupational asthma symptoms is to stay away or reduce contact completely from whatever is triggering your asthma. For some, their symptoms stop as soon as they discontinue contact, while for others symptoms may not go away completely or it can take a little longer or – especially if they have had asthma for a longer time and have shown more serious symptoms.

You can also try to get any allergens in your workplace replaced or removed with a safer alternative. Your employer too can help reduce the risk by isolating you from the process linked to the triggers or installing extractor fans. You could also consider the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE), which will stop you from inhaling the respiratory sensitizers. If you are already aware of your condition, make sure to inform the manager when changing jobs, so they will have sufficient time to implement changes that can help you.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Best Ways To Avoid Asthma Attacks During Winter!

While winter brings with it the joy of festivals and holidays, it can also act as a trigger for asthma. Cold weather can contribute to asthma attacks  during winter so much so that it might cause  the disease in people who spend a lot of time outdoors in such weather or live in cold, dry climates.Here are a few tips on how to avoid asthma attacks during winter. Frequent and proper washing of your hands with water and soap is one of the simplest and best ways to avoid catching or spreading the cold and other viruses. Hand sanitisers that are alcohol-based also do the trick. Make sure to emphasize the importance of good hand washing to your children and educate them on it being one of the most basic steps of good hygiene. The cold weather doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your exercise routine but make sure to follow it indoors. In cold weather, symptoms are even more likely to appear during exercise because as the air is cold it can irritate the sensitive airways in your lungs. Avoid sports that involve long periods of exertion, such as football, distance running, basketball and field hockey. Studies have shown that people with asthma have a greater lung function and recover faster after exercising when they are warmed up. This is important but especially in winter whenever you work out. Before heading for working out outdoors in the cold, consider doing your first 20 minutes of your run on a treadmill. Work with your specialist or doctor to create an effective asthma treatment plan for the winter, and continue to get regular checkups done. If you are finding that your asthma symptoms worsen in the cold weather or you are experiencing asthma symptoms even if you haven’t had asthma before, meeting a physician is of the utmost importance. Take any medications you’ve been prescribed on schedule and without fail. Make sure to vacuum and dust your home frequently to reduce allergens since everyone will be spending a lot of time indoors during the winter. Dust all over using a damp cloth and use a vacuum with high efficiency (HEPA) filter to clean carpets and fabric-covered furniture. It helps if you can keep your entire home smoke-free. Candle, fireplace and cigarette smoke can travel from room to room, even through closed doors.Other than the tips mentioned above make sure to take the basic precautions like wearing a scarf or turtleneck up over your mouth and nose to warm the air you’re inhaling when outside, to avoid asthma attacks during winter.  Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

1