Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but the symptoms can be controlled. For many, asthma is manageable. For others, it can be a daily struggle and lead to severe and even life-threatening asthma attacks. When an asthma attack happens, your airways become swollen and inflamed, the surrounding muscles contract, and your body produces extra mucus. All of this can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Often you can treat an asthma attack at home, but sometimes it requires emergency medical attention.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, rapid breathing, or shortness of breath are all asthma symptoms. But it’s essential to know the signs of an asthma attack:

• Faster than normal breathing
• Chest retractions
• Pale or blue coloring in your face, lips, or fingernails
• A quick movement of your nostrils
• Rapid and deep movement in your stomach or ribs
• The chest that doesn’t deflate when you breathe out 

What causes an asthma attack can differ from person to person. Trying to figure out what causes your asthma to flare up is important. However, there are some common triggers you should know.

Allergies

Allergies are a common asthma trigger. It can be hard to avoid some of the things you are allergic to because they’re just in the air, you inhale them, and suddenly you’re having problems with your asthma. Here are some of the most common allergens to avoid: 

• Dust Mites – The body parts of dust mites and the waste they leave behind can cause allergic reactions. Dust mites can survive all year in a warm, humid house. Lower humidity and extreme temperatures will generally kill them.
• Cockroaches – Cockroaches are a common pest in the U.S. Their bodies contain a protein that many people are allergic to, but the saliva and waste they can leave behind can also cause issues.
• Pollen – Plants, trees, and grass make small and light pollen grains that easily travel in the air and are carried by the wind. Every spring, summer, and fall, you can count on allergy issues with pollen.
• Mold – Mold can be found everywhere. It releases spores into the air that can trigger allergic reactions. July to early fall is the most common time of year for mold allergies, but they can also happen year-round.
• Pet Dander – We love our pets, but they can cause severe allergy issues. Proteins in your pet’s urine, saliva, or dander can result in an allergic reaction. Pet allergens can be found on floors, your clothes, furniture, and all kinds of other surfaces and can stay around for months.
• Air Pollutants – Cigarette smoke, smog and air pollution, wood fires, gas and paint fumes, and other particles in the air can cause your airways to become inflamed and set off an asthma attack.

Other Health Issues

Sleep apnea, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), food allergies, acid reflux, and respiratory infections, especially if they’re not well-managed, can bring on asthma attacks.

Exercise

Asthma attacks can be triggered by exercise, especially if you’re performing physical activity in cold or dry air.

Weather

Sudden changes in the weather can trigger your asthma. High heat and humidity, colder temperatures, rain, and thunderstorms can all cause an increase in your symptoms.

Strong Emotions

Whether you’re angry, fearful, or excited – all types of strong emotions can cause your breathing to change and result in asthmatic symptoms.

Medicines

Beta-blockers, aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs that don’t contain steroids can trigger an asthma attack.

Six Ways to Reduce Your Number of Asthma Attacks

1. Know Your Triggers

Once diagnosed with asthma, it’s important to identify your specific triggers. Track activities that lead to worsening symptoms and note them down. This helps you avoid those triggers and reduce your chances of an asthma attack.

2. Take Your Meds and Follow Your Asthma Action Plan

Consistently take your prescribed medication, even when you don’t have symptoms. This helps control airway inflammation. Always follow your asthma action plan, which outlines your medication schedule and when to seek medical help if needed.

3. Pay Attention to Your Breathing

Regularly check your lung function by measuring peak airflow with a peak flow meter, which your doctor can teach you to use. Monitor how often you use your inhaler, as increased use may signal that your current treatment needs adjustment. Consult your doctor if necessary.

4. Stay Up to Date on Your Vaccinations

Get the flu vaccine annually, as the flu can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of complications like pneumonia. If you’re 19 or older, get the pneumonia vaccine every 5 to 10 years.

5. Stay Away from Smoke

Avoid cigarette smoke, whether it’s in bars, restaurants, or designated public smoking areas. If you smoke cigars, cigarettes, or vape, seek help to quit. Also, avoid smoke from candles, incense, campfires, and fireworks, as these can trigger asthma attacks.

6. Invest in an Air Purifier

An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help reduce pollutants and irritants in your home, lowering the likelihood of an asthma flare-up. While air purifiers can be costly, they offer significant benefits in maintaining clean air indoors. Air purifiers with HEPA filters are the most effective. Designed to remove impurities out of the air, air purifiers with HEPA filters capture them and send clean air back into your home. Purifying the air you breathe inside your home can reduce the chance of having an asthma attack.

If you or someone you love lives with asthma, you know how difficult daily life can be. It takes work to figure out what triggers your asthma, but knowing what to avoid can help you significantly reduce your chances of an asthma attack.

Lifestyle Tips for Living with Asthma

Living with asthma requires ongoing attention and proactive management to keep symptoms in check. By staying aware of your triggers and incorporating a few key lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce asthma flare-ups and improve your overall quality of life.

Create a Daily Routine

Managing asthma becomes easier when it becomes part of your daily routine. Regularly take your prescribed medications, even when you feel fine, and use your inhaler as directed by your doctor. Setting reminders or keeping a medication log can help you stay consistent. This consistent approach helps prevent flare-ups and keeps your asthma under control.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet plays a role in supporting your overall health and managing asthma symptoms. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation in your airways. Additionally, if you have food allergies that trigger asthma, avoiding those allergens is critical. Consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to create a diet plan that supports your asthma management.

Exercise with Caution

Physical activity is important for overall health, but it can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms, especially in cold or dry air. Talk to your doctor about the best types of exercise for you. They may recommend indoor activities or suggest warm-up exercises to help prevent asthma attacks during physical activity. Always carry your inhaler with you when exercising, and make sure to monitor how your body responds.

Manage Stress and Emotions

Strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety, or excitement, can cause your breathing to change and lead to asthma symptoms. It’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. Regular physical activity can also help reduce stress levels and improve lung function.

Avoid Exposure to Pollutants

Indoor air quality can have a significant impact on asthma. In addition to using air purifiers, consider reducing exposure to common indoor pollutants such as cleaning chemicals, strong perfumes, or pet dander. Keeping your home well-ventilated and free from irritants can help reduce flare-ups. If you work in an environment with airborne irritants, like dust or fumes, take the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask, to protect your lungs.

Stay in Tune with Your Body

Regularly check in with how you’re feeling and monitor for early signs of an asthma flare-up. Recognizing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest early allows you to take action before the symptoms worsen. If you notice an increase in your symptoms or more frequent use of your inhaler, contact your healthcare provider to discuss adjustments to your treatment plan.
By making these lifestyle adjustments, you can take control of your asthma and live a more active, fulfilling life. Consistent management, awareness, and preventive steps are key to reducing flare-ups and minimizing the impact of asthma on your day-to-day activities.