What is an Asthma Trigger?

Asthma triggers are things in the environment that cause, provoke or aggravate asthma symptoms (for example, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing).

Common triggers include:

  • viral infections (for example, colds/flu), which cause up to 90 percent of asthma attacks in children
  • physical activity
  • tobacco smoke
  • air pollution
  • extremes in weather (hot, cold, wind, humidity)
  • allergies (for example, animals, pollen, mould, dust, dust mites)
  • strong odours (for example, paints, permanent markers, perfumes, cleaning products, glue)

Not all people with asthma share the same triggers. Each person with asthma has his or her own set of triggers and will not always respond to them in the same way after an exposure. Sometimes not all triggers are known to the individual.

Children and youth with asthma, and/or their parents/guardians should alert the school/program leaders/coaches to their asthma triggers. Because asthma triggers can change, and new ones can be identified, communication among families and staff is crucial. Eliminating or reducing exposures to the person's specific triggers can reduce the chances of an asthma attack as well as the need for medication.