Asthma affects people of all ages, from young children to adults. One key to dealing with asthma is knowing the things that make your asthma worse. These things are often called asthma triggers. Here are some common asthma triggers and ways that you can manage them at every stage of life.

What Are Asthma Triggers?

Asthma triggers are things that irritate the airways and make it hard to breathe. When someone with asthma faces a trigger, their airways can swell, fill with mucus, and tighten. This can cause things like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Triggers can be different for everyone, and some people may have more than one trigger.

Common Asthma Triggers For Everyone

Some common asthma triggers that can affect people of all ages are:

• Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold.
• Cold Air: Cold or dry air can irritate the airways.
• Smoke: Cigarette smoke, wildfire smoke, or smoke from fireplaces.
• Exercise: Exercise can trigger asthma, especially in cold weather.
• Strong Smells: Perfumes, cleaning products, or air fresheners.
• Infections: colds, flu, COVID-19 and other illnesses
• Certain food and medications
• Emotional stress
• Acid reflux (GERD)

Asthma Triggers and Management for Young Children

Young children often have their asthma triggered by allergens and infections. Young children are also more likely to have asthma attacks because of colds and other sicknesses.

Common Triggers for Young Children:

• Respiratory infections: Colds, flu, and other viruses.
• Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
• Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes or fireplaces.

Tips for Young Children:

• Keep the home clean: Dust and vacuum often to get rid of things like dust mites and pet dander.
• Use a humidifier: During the cold months, a humidifier can help your child’s breathing.
• Avoid smoke: Keep your child away from any kind of smoke.
• Practice good hand hygiene: Wash your hands often to reduce the chance of respiratory infections.

For young children, it’s important to talk with your child’s doctor about their asthma. As your child gets older, show them how to use their inhaler the right way. Together, you can create an asthma action plan and to know what to do during an asthma attack.

Asthma Triggers and Management for Older Kids and Teens

As children get older, they may face new triggers from school, sports, and social activities. Teens with asthma might also be around more secondhand smoke and other irritants outside the home.

Common Triggers for Older Kids and Teens:

• Exercise: Activities like running or sports can cause asthma symptoms.
• Stress: Stress, anxiety or nervousness can make asthma worse.
• Secondhand smoke: Being around cigarette smoke from friends or in public places.

Tips for Older Kids and Teens:

• Talk about exercise: Teach your teen to warm up before exercise and cool down afterward. They should also carry a quick-relief inhaler in case they need it.
• Manage stress: Help your child practice relaxation methods, such as deep breathing, to reduce stress.
• Avoid smoke: Talk to your teen about the importance of not being around cigarette smoke.

In this age group, it is important for your child to carry their inhaler with them and know their own symptoms.

Asthma Triggers and Management for Adults

For adults, asthma triggers are often things like allergens, stress, and environmental factors. Some adults may also develop asthma later in life due to job-related exposure to dust or chemicals.

Common Triggers for Adults:

• Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
• Workplace irritants: Dust, chemicals, and fumes can be triggers in some jobs.
• Hormonal changes: For some women, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can worsen asthma symptoms.

Tips for Adults:

• Keep your house clean: Regular cleaning can help reduce allergens at home.
• Use protective gear: If you’re exposed to dust or chemicals at work, wear a mask or other protective gear.
• Manage stress: Do things like yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises to lessen stress.

For adults, it’s important to continue working with your doctor to manage asthma. Your doctor can adjust the treatment plan if it is needed.

General Tips for Managing Asthma Triggers

Here are some tips that work for all age groups to help manage asthma triggers:

• Know your triggers: Keep a journal to track when your asthma gets worse and what caused it.
• Create an asthma action plan: Work with your doctor to create a plan for what to do during an asthma flare-up.
• Use medications: Take long-term medications regularly if your doctor tells you to and carry a quick-relief inhaler.
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations: Respiratory infections like the flu can worsen asthma, so make sure to get recommended vaccines.

Conclusion

Asthma affects people of all ages, but knowing your triggers can help you manage symptoms and stay healthy. Remember to talk with your doctor to create a plan that fits your needs, no matter your age.

Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Website: cdc.gov/asthma

1. American Lung Association – Asthma

• Website: www.lung.org

1. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

• Website: aafa.org

1. Mayo Clinic – Asthma

• Website: mayoclinic.org

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – HealthyChildren.org

• Website: healthychildren.org