Some Unexpected Triggers For Asthma

Asthma sufferers are usually in tune with the triggers that can cause an asthma attack. Cold air, pollen, pet dander, smokes and strenuous exercise are the usual culprits that cause airway passages to close and have patients gasping for air. However, recent research has shown there may be other more simple triggers asthma patients need to be aware of and therefore less need for the inhaler.

Who would have suspecting that thunderstorms could be directly related to the number of asthma attacks reported soon after a thunderstorm strikes. Studies have shown an increase in the number of asthma patients showing up in emergency rooms soon after a thunderstorm. It is believed that the pollen count rises significantly after a thunderstorm. While one cannot prevent a thunderstorm, you can make sure you stay inside for awhile after one occurs.

Strong emotions can also be an asthma trigger. An asthma attack can be brought on by not only heavy crying but also by strong and prolonged laughter. Now this doesn't mean that you can never experience strong emotions but it is important to be prepared that these feelings do have the potential to create a tightening of your airways.

Chemicals that are found in our everyday lives such as those chemicals in meats, like nitrates, or those that are found in beer and wine all seem to hold the potential to trigger an asthma attack. And while this fact is still disputed by many there are others who have found that by altering their diets that they have been able to keep from having an attack over prolonged periods of time. Whether you are on board with this school of thought or not if you are having unexplained asthma attacks you may want to assess what foods you have recently eaten to see if they could possibly be a trigger.

Overall, many people suffer from asthma and while it is something that can be controlled by medication these attacks can be extremely uncomfortable for those experiencing them. If you can avoid the triggers then you can possibly avoid the attacks so it is a good idea to keep an eye on those triggers. Knowledge is power and the better you can understand what triggers an attack the more control you will have over them.