Asthma attacks can be triggered by a lot of things that narrow the airways and cause inflammation, swelling, and excess mucus production. Any contact with these triggers is what causes asthmatic symptoms, which may manifest immediately or several hours after exposure to a trigger. By identifying the triggers, patients can minimize the risk of flare-ups and improve their quality of life. Here are a few common triggers for asthma:

• Weather
  Exposure to cold or dry air and changes in temperature and humidity are among the common triggers for asthmatics. Avoiding areas with either extreme cold weather or extreme humidity helps patients prevent an attack.
• Allergens
  Many people with asthma are allergic to dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold, and cockroach droppings. Inhaling any of these substances can trigger the symptoms, so reducing one’s exposure to these allergens can help prevent an attack.
• Exercise
  When asthmatic symptoms develop after exercising, it is called exercise-induced asthma. Physical activity is one of the common triggers for asthma, but warming up or taking medication before exercising can help reduce the risk of an attack.
• Tobacco smoke
  People with asthma have sensitive lungs and are susceptible to respiratory issues and asthma attacks after exposure to tobacco smoke. Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent an asthma attack, and asthmatics should also avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
• Irritants
  Environmental irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, wood smoke, strong odors from perfumes, and cleaning agents can all trigger an asthma episode.
• Medications
  Certain medications like beta-blockers and anti-inflammatory painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen are commonly used to treat headaches, heart disease, and high blood pressure, but they can also trigger asthma flare-ups.
• Food allergies
  People with food allergies may be prone to an asthma attack, especially if they have a history of having an anaphylactic reaction to a particular food allergen. Some of the most common foods associated with allergies include shellfish, soybeans, wheat, eggs, and nuts. Also, foods and beverages containing sulfites and histamine can trigger asthmatic symptoms.
• Health conditions
  Respiratory infections like cold, flu, bronchitis, and sinus infections can trigger asthma. Health conditions like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can also cause asthma attacks.
• Strong emotions
  When a person with asthma experiences strong emotions like anxiety or stress or is yelling, laughing hard, or crying, the resultant fast breathing can lead to a flare-up.
• Female hormones
  Women with asthma may notice their symptoms worsening during the times of hormonal change, like puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and the time leading up to menopause.
• Sex
  Just like exercise, sexual activity can trigger asthmatic symptoms. The symptoms can, however, be controlled by using an inhaler or taking medications before engaging in sexual activity.

The triggers for asthma can vary from person to person and can also vary with time, but these common triggers might affect many. Reducing one’s exposure to these triggers and following the prescribed treatment can help manage the symptoms effectively.