When living with any type of respiratory issue, you always have to stay alert and be mindful. Why? Because there are many things that can trigger an attack or a flare-up. But, what is a respiratory disease specifically? Well, respiratory disease is a type of disease that affects the lungs and other parts of your respiratory system. This disease includes an array of different conditions such as COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia and even asthma. Yes, asthma is a type of respiratory disease that has many triggers. Even some uncommon triggers that you may not have known about are caused by asthma.
What Normally Triggers Asthma Attacks?
If you’re living with asthma, the best thing to do is know your common triggers. These common triggers are what usually affect a bunch of people who live with this condition.
One common trigger is allergies. Most of the time, if you suffer from allergies, they can trigger your asthma symptoms. These allergies can be dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander and rodents.
Another common trigger that might cause an asthma attack is air irritants. This includes tobacco smoke, air pollution, gasoline, vapors, paint, chemicals and dust particles.
Weather can trigger an asthma attack as well. The dry wind and cold air are both common triggers that may affect you or a majority of people living with asthma.
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5 Uncommon Triggers For Asthma
You know about the common triggers when it comes to your asthma because they’re common issues that are discussed more often, but what about the not-so-common triggers? The ones you didn’t know about? There are many uncommon effects that can prompt an asthma attack that you may have overlooked. These include:
- Thunderstorms
- Aspirin
- Laughing or Crying
- Traffic
- Acid Reflux
How These Unknowns Can Cause An Attack
When it comes to thunderstorms, during an electrical storm, the pollen grains burst which releases allergen into the air. These allergens are then pushed around by the gusty winds and this can trigger someone living with allergies.
With aspirin, many people are allergic to it and don’t even know. Research shows that after people with asthma take aspirin, something that contains aspirin or an anti-inflammatory substance, they usually suffer from an asthma attack or notice symptoms.
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Laughing and or crying are two emotional states that can trigger an asthma attack or cause your symptoms to begin. This is because it changes your breathing pattern and restricts your airflow. Similar to hyperventilation, which can trigger those with airway issues.
This may seem absurd but traffic can trigger an asthma attack or symptoms as well. This is due to the pollutants and fumes from the cars' exhausts being released into the air for you to inhale.
Acid reflux is an uncommon asthma trigger because of what it does to your throat. If you suffer from acid reflux, then it can cause a burning sensation and pain in the back of your throat, especially if you lay down. It can also cause an asthma attack even if you don’t feel the heartburn or throat pain because the acid backs up and can cause a reaction in the airways.
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What To Do When You Notice These Symptoms
Just because the triggers are uncommon doesn’t mean that the symptoms will be as well. With that being said, if you notice any symptoms when affected by uncommon triggers, the best thing to do is to handle them the same way you would handle common triggers. Do deep breathing exercises if the symptoms aren’t too bad. Go into a space where you can use steam to open up your airways. Avoid cold beverages and too much movement.
If your symptoms are bad, take the recommended dosage of your inhaler and stay hydrated. If that doesn’t help and you notice your symptoms are worsening, go to the emergency room immediately. Staying vigilant is important when living with asthma, so remember to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
