Asthma Triggers: What Usually Causes an Asthma Attack?

Asthma attacks are caused by asthma triggers, irritants in the environment that cause asthma attacks. There are two types of triggers:

  • Allergic triggers set off an asthma attack in people who have allergies to those triggers. For example, some people with asthma are allergic to cats and may get an asthma attack when they come into contact with cat hair. Is your child allergic to anything? If so, what?
  • Non-allergic triggers set off an asthma attack in anyone with asthma.

Not all children react to the same triggers. It is important to identify what triggers your child’s asthma. Below is a list of common asthma triggers.

Common Asthma Triggers

Allergic Triggers Non-Allergic Triggers
Dust (house dust mites) Tobacco Smoke
Mold Air Pollution and Smog
Pollen Cooking fumes, fumes from gas
Dog or Cat hair Wood smoke
Mice Fumes from kerosene
Cockroaches Paint fumes
Aspirin Viral Respiratory Infections
Preservatives in Food Exercise
Some food (food allergies) Weather changes (cold air)
Some beverages Strong odors

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  • Last updated September 5th, 2010
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