The cause of asthma is a trigger. When an asthma patient comes into contact with an asthma trigger, the airways become inflamed, narrowed, and filled with mucus. Avoiding triggers is the easiest prevention and care tool.

As you move onto the next slide, you will learn more about each trigger.

There are six types of triggers:

1. Allergens: Indoor

2. Allergens: Outdoor

3. Allergens: Ingested

4. Irritants

5. Infections

6. Physical Activity

Asthma Triggers

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Allergens: Indoor Allergens are substances that some immune systems recognize as foreign.

Allergens found in the house include dust mites, pets, cockroaches, and mold. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery can help. Use a vacuum with either a HEPA or allergen filter. If at all possible, replace the carpet with hard flooring.

Allergens found outdoors include pollen, mold and mildew.

Eggs, milk, soy, fish, corn, and peanuts are common culprits. Foods or drinks processed with sulfites or that contain sulfites such as dried fruits, fruit juices, and shell-fish (shrimp) may also trigger asthma symptoms. Avoid foods containing these products by reading the labels. Consider seeing an allergist for allergy testing.

Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors. Fumes from common household products can irritate the airway. Irritants that might trigger asthma include: smoke, smog, fragrances, aerosol sprays, fumes from household products and stress of strong emotions (divorce, death).

Infections in the lungs or breathing tubes can trigger an asthma attach. The majority of infections are viral, such as a cold and the flu. Additionally sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia can trigger asthma attacks.

While physical activity can trigger an asthma attack it is important for asthma patients to remain active. Regular activity strengthens the heart and lungs, it is good for bone strength, and it helps the asthma patient maintain a healthy weight.

Allergens: Outdoor

Allergens: Ingested

Irritants

Infections

Physical Activity

If exercise is a trigger, the asthma patient should use the quick relief medication before an activity. Swimming is an excellent activity. However, indoor pools have higher levels of chlorine than outdoor pools. Chlorine may trigger an asthma attack in some people.

Click on each trigger type to learn more about it.

Trigger Types

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This is Lauren. She is a three year-old active toddler.

A year ago Lauren’s parents learned that she has asthma. After going through some tests, it was determined that Lauren has a milk allergy and this is the cause of her asthma.

The trigger that causes Lauren’s asthma is considered an ingested allergen.

To prevent an asthma attack, Lauren needs to avoid milk and products with milk in them.

If you need a refresher on what classifies an ingested allergen trigger, go back to the previous slide. Once you have a comfortable understanding, move forward to test your knowledge.

The trigger that affects my asthma is physical activity. I know physical activity is important for our overall health and that as an asthma patient I need to stay active. Because I know what my asthma trigger is, I am able to control my asthma and be prepared for an oncoming attack.

Case Demonstration

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Paul, 40-years old, works as a sales rep. for local TV advertisement. Two weeks ago, his manager left the company. Paul has been asked to work extra hours to help out. Paul has asthma and has had more attacks recently.

Which trigger affects Paul’s asthma?

A. Ingested

B. Physical Activity

D. Irritants

C. Outdoor Allergen

No, that is not the correct trigger. Try Again.

No, that is not the correct trigger. Try Again.

No, that is not the correct trigger. Try Again.

Correct! The increased job stress and long workdays are an irritant to Paul and increases his asthma attacks.

Click on the correct letter.

Check your understanding

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