Common Factors that Can Agitate Asthma
Asthma acts differently for each individual, and the factors that trigger an attack are different from person to person. The most common type of asthma is allergic asthma, where the typical triggers are basic allergens, yet asthma can also be triggered by any type of inhaled irritant. Here are just a few of the more common allergens and irritants to look out for:
Mold
Mold likes to grow where it’s warm and humid. When the temperature starts to rise through the spring and summer months, mold begins to latch onto our homes and release its spores. These spores are major culprits in causing allergy and sinus issues as well as the inflammation of airways associated with an asthma attack.
Dust and Pollen
Dust and pollen are a continual problem for allergic asthma sufferers. Both change in intensity depending on the time of year, with pollen hitting especially hard in the spring and summer months when trees and grasses are at their peak output.
Pet and Animal Dander
Exposure to animals often is a factor in asthma severity. Cats, dogs, and other mammals invisibly shed minute skin particles called dander that infiltrate the air we breathe. Such dander is a well-known asthma trigger.
Smoke
Whether from cigarettes or from the environment, smoke is a major respiratory irritant. Any type of irritation of the lung tissues has the potential to lead to an asthma flare-up, so asthma sufferers should avoid smoke in their daily lives as best as they can.
Learning more about allergens and irritants helps you to protect yourself better from asthma attacks. If you are concerned about asthma flare-ups or are interested in allergy testing then consult with the sinus and allergy specialists at Everett Ear, Nose & Throat. Call (425) 258-4361 to schedule an appointment.
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