Asthma Attack Triggers

People with asthma have airways that are very sensitive to certain allergens or other stimuli. The triggers vary from one person to another. Some common causes of asthma attacks include:

• Animal dander (from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals)
• Waste products from dust mites
• Pollen from trees and grass
• Mold (indoor and outdoor)
• Cigarette smoke
• Air pollution
• Infections such as colds and the flu
• Exercise
• Strong feelings or stress
• Changes in weather, cold air
• Strong odors from painting or cooking
• Scented products
• Certain medicines and foods.

This is not a complete list of all the things that trigger asthma. People may have trouble with one or more of these triggers. Everyone is different.