What Can Trigger Asthma ?

Monday, August 3, 2009, 22:40
Asthma
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Common asthma triggers

Andrew:

What are some of the general triggers that people have of what we might commonly call asthma attacks?

Dr. Shapiro:

There’s a whole variety. We talked about infections. Viral infections in particular are a big problem for people. Also, bacterial infections like sinus disease; sinusitis is a trigger for many individuals. And then allergens, house dust mites and pet dander in the home, molds, cockroaches. And then, of course, the spring and pollens are an issue for many people.

Andrew:

And when someone has asthma, it’s really important to consult with their doctor to understand what triggers it for them.

Dr. Shapiro:

It’s true, because avoidance is still the best treatment. And if you are in a home with lots of things you’re allergic to, you’re sort of putting fuel on the fire with one hand, while you’re trying to put water on the fire with the other, with your medication. And the results are just not going to be as good as if you can do some environmental control.

Andrew:

It could mean that you have to get rid of your cat.

Dr. Shapiro:

Yes. It could mean that!

Andrew:

I’ve also heard about dust mites and carpeting–that things like that can be triggers, as well.

Dr. Shapiro:

Dust mites are a major problem in the Northwest, particularly, because they like dampness. And since the humidity is above 50% here all year, we have dust mites all year. And these are little microscopic creatures that get into carpets and mattresses and stuffed furniture. And if you can cover your mattress with special covers that are now available, and remove carpeting from the bedroom, it really cuts down the burden of dust mite exposure.

Andrew:

And the workplace can contain triggers as well.

Dr. Shapiro:

True. We hear frequently about mold problems in heating systems, old carpeting, cleaning agents and co-workers’ perfumes that are irritants. Certainly the workplace can be a problem.

Andrew:

We have a related question from Pat, in Yakima: “It seems that after I eat a meal, my breathing is much worse for awhile. Is this typical for asthma, and if so, what causes that?”

Dr. Shapiro:

That’s not a tremendously typical pattern. There may indeed be some reflex mechanisms where filling the stomach causes some spasm in the bronchial tubes. Or there may be reflux, the up-traveling of acid from the stomach, and that might be causing some spasm. So it’s certainly something to talk to your doctor about.

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