How do Asthma Triggers Aggravate the Disease?

Asthma is a disease caused by the dysfunction of the lungs and the airway.  When a non-asthmatic inhales an irritant, the airway constricts to prevent the irritant from going any further, then it relaxes and expels it, ridding the body of the irritant without much trouble.

The asthmatic person experiences a different and more serious reaction. The airway constricts - as before - but instead of relaxing, expelling the irritant and then reopening, it constricts even further, thus reducing the air supply and making it difficult to breath.

The immediate use of an inhaler or nebulizer during this reaction can relax the airway once more, allowing the asthma patient to breathe easily again.

As explained, an asthma attack is triggered by an irritant. This irritant can take many forms  – pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, animal dander, powders, chemicals, dust, food smells, mold, cockroaches, and so on. Even experiencing cold, exercise, sudden fright, or sudden emotion can bring it about.

When an asthmatic encounters any of the asthma triggers that they are susceptible to, the asthma flares up and gives rise to an attack.

Prevention is nearly always better than cure. An attack can be subdued with the aid of an inhaler or other prescribed medication, but it is preferable to avoid the chance of an attack altogether. This requires vigilance on the part of the asthmatic to keep away as much as possible, from areas where triggers predominate.

Prevention Measure within the Home

Asthmatics should endeavour to keep their home as dust-free as possible. One would think that the air we breathe indoors would be cleaner than that outdoors, but that is not necessarily the case.  Think about it. The air in your home is enclosed within the four walls, so any airborne allergens or irritants aren't going to be blown away by the wind, they are just going to keep recirculating. Dust is one of the main known asthma triggers so it needs to be kept in check.

As far as possible, the asthma patient should keep their home as totally dust free as possible. Regular (daily) cleaning will ensure dust does not accumulate, and the company of smokers or indeed smoking oneself, should be avoided . Asthmatics would also be well advised to avoid keeping pets, as fur and feathers may cause allergies.

As long as asthma sufferers stay away from any asthma trigger, they can lead a close to normal life.