6 surprising asthma triggers
Is this the reason you're wheezing?
Jan, 2026
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Hidden Triggers to Avoid
If you have asthma, you may be familiar with triggers that can lead to an asthma attack. Exercising, cigarette smoke, and dust may all pop into mind. But there are other less commonly known causes of asthma attacks.
If you’re not sure why your asthma has been acting up, check this list of surprising triggers to see if one of them may be affecting you. By getting to know your triggers, you may be able to help prevent attacks before they even happen.
Written byJameson Kowalczyk.
Medically reviewed byMegan Burke, MD.
Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency. Asthma Triggers: Gain Control. Page last updated April 3 + 9
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Asthma Triggers: Gain Control. Page last updated April 3, 2024.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Asthma Triggers and Management. Page last reviewed November 7, 2023.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Triggers: Air Pollution. Page accessed September 5, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. Stress & Asthma. Page last reviewed January 7, 2021.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma Triggers: Weather. Page last updated April 2024.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Cold Weather Advisory: People with Asthma Should Take Precautions to Prevent Symptoms. Page accessed September 5, 2024.
- Cleveland Clinic. Sulfite Sensitivity. Page last reviewed April 24, 2024.
- Mattila T, Santonen T, Andersen HR, et al. Scoping Review-The Association between Asthma and Environmental Chemicals. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Feb 1;18(3):1323.
- Paterson C, Sharpe R, Taylor T, et al. Indoor PM2.5, VOCs and asthma outcomes: A systematic review in adults and their home environments. Environmental Research. 2021;202:111631.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality. Page last updated August 15, 2023.
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