Asthma triggers are anything that make your asthma worse and cause asthma flare-ups. 

Triggers can be categorized into two different groups:   

Inflammatory – cause mucous in the airways and muscle tightening around the airways (i.e. allergens) Non-inflammatory – cause muscle tightening around the airways only (i.e. irritants) Generally, triggers that are classified as inflammatory last longer, may not cause symptoms until hours after exposure and are more difficult to treat. Triggers that do not cause inflammatory changes in the airways to have more of an immediate response, are shorter-lived and treated by removing the trigger and using reliever medication.

Triggers can be indoors or outdoors, at home, school or work.  Triggers need to be re-evaluated over time as they can change. 

Keep in mind, allergens and irritants can work in combination. For example, if your airways are already swollen because of your allergies, and then you are exposed to an irritant your asthma will not be well controlled.  The more triggers you are exposed to, the harder it will be to control your asthma.

Recognize and Avoid Your Triggers

It helps if you pay attention to when and where your asthma symptoms worsen. Is it when the air is cold? When you are near your neighbour's cat? Paying attention to your symptoms will give you clues about your triggers. Try using an asthma diary to keep track of your symptoms and your surroundings. Show your asthma diary to your health care provider or Certified Respiratory Educator for more help.

Continued exposure to triggers can worsen swelling in the airway and contribute to poor asthma control.  Recognizing your asthma triggers and avoiding them as much as possible is key in best managing your asthma.