Asthma Triggers

CDC - Asthma - Common Asthma Triggers

Page 1 of 3

Common Asthma Triggers
On this Page

• Tobacco Smoke
• Dust Mites
• Outdoor Air Pollution
• Cockroach Allergen
• Pets
• Mold
• Smoke From Burning Wood or Grass
• Other Triggers

If you have asthma, an asthma attack can happen
when you are exposed to “asthma triggers.” Your
triggers can be very different from those of
someone else with asthma. Know your triggers and
learn how to avoid them. Watch out for an attack
when you can’t avoid the triggers. Some of the most
common triggers are:

Tobacco Smoke
Tobacco smoke is unhealthy for everyone,
especially people with asthma. If you have asthma and you smoke, quit smoking.
“Secondhand smoke” is smoke created by a smoker and breathed in by a second person. Secondhand
smoke can trigger an asthma attack. If you have asthma, people should never smoke near you, in
your home, in your car, or wherever you may spend a lot of time.

Dust Mites

https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html

1/27/2017

CDC - Asthma - Common Asthma Triggers

Page 2 of 3

Dust mites are tiny bugs that are in almost every home. If you have asthma, dust mites can trigger an
asthma attack. To prevent attacks, use mattress covers and pillowcase covers to make a barrier
between dust mites and yourself. Don’t use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove
stuffed animals and clutter from your bedroom. Wash your bedding on the hottest water setting.

Outdoor Air Pollution
Outdoor air pollution can trigger an asthma attack. This pollution can come from factories, cars, and
other sources. Pay attention to air quality forecasts on radio, television, and the Internet and check
your newspaper to plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low.

Cockroach Allergen
Cockroaches and their droppings can trigger an asthma attack. Get rid of cockroaches in your home
by removing as many water and food sources as you can. Cockroaches are often found where food is
eaten and crumbs are left behind. At least every 2 to 3 days, vacuum or sweep areas that might
attract cockroaches. Use roach traps or gels to cut down on the number of cockroaches in your
home.

Pets
Furry pets can trigger an asthma attack. If you think a furry pet may be causing attacks, you may
want to find the pet another home. If you can’t or don’t want to find a new home for the pet, keep it
out of the person with asthma’s bedroom.
Bathe pets every week and keep them outside as much as you can. People with asthma are not
allergic to their pet’s fur, so trimming the pet’s fur will not help your asthma. If you have a furry pet,
vacuum often. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, damp mop them every week.

Mold
Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma attack. Get rid of mold in your home to help control your
attacks. Humidity, the amount of moisture in the air, can make mold grow. An air conditioner or
dehumidifier will help you keep the humidity level low. Get a small tool called a hygrometer to check
humidity levels and keep them as low as you can—no higher than 50%. Humidity levels change over
the course of a day, so check the humidity levels more than once a day. Fix water leaks, which let
mold grow behind walls and under floors.

Smoke From Burning Wood or Grass

https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html

1/27/2017

CDC - Asthma - Common Asthma Triggers

Page 3 of 3

Smoke from burning wood or other plants is made up of a mix of harmful gases and small particles.
Breathing in too much of this smoke can cause an asthma attack. If you can, avoid burning wood in
your home. If a wildfire is causing poor air quality in your area pay attention to air quality forecasts
on radio, television, and the Internet and check your newspaper to plan your activities for when air
pollution levels will be low.

Other Triggers
Infections linked to influenza (flu), colds, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can trigger an asthma
attack. Sinus infections, allergies, breathing in some chemicals, and acid reflux can also trigger
attacks.
Physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather, such as thunderstorms or high humidity; breathing
in cold, dry air; and some foods, food additives, and fragrances can also trigger an asthma attack.
Strong emotions can lead to very fast breathing, called hyperventilation, that can also cause an
asthma attack.

Remember, you can control your asthma!
The above text is adapted from the "You Can Control Your Asthma"

[PDF - 4074 KB] full-color

brochure and is suitable for downloading and printing.
∠ Top of Page

File Formats Help:
How do I view different file formats (PDF, DOC, PPT, MPEG) on this site?
(https://www.cdc.gov/Other/plugins/)
(https://www.cdc.gov/Other/plugins/#pdf)
Page last reviewed: December 14, 2010
Page last updated: August 20, 2012
Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (/nceh)

https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/triggers.html

1/27/2017