Tips for Avoiding Common Asthma Triggers

Various factors can trigger acute asthma symptoms (asthma attack) or aggravate the disease. If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, it is important to identify what triggers the symptoms and to take measures to avoid them whenever possible.

Following are the most common triggers, as well as a few tips to help you avoid them:

Cigarette smoke

• If you smoke, consult your pharmacist for help on how to quit.
• If there are smokers in your household, make sure they don’t smoke in the house or car (including vaping).

Allergies

• Take an allergy test to find out exactly what is causing your allergies, and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
• If a desensitization treatment exists for your allergens, ask your doctor whether you would be a good candidate.
• If you have a pet you are allergic to, the wisest decision would be to find it a new home. Otherwise, be sure it doesn’t go in your bedroom and don’t let it on any upholstered sofas, as they tend to retain the substances that cause your allergies.
• If you are allergic to certain types of pollen, start your treatment at the beginning of the season. Consult your pharmacist to be sure the treatment is right for you.

Respiratory infections (cold, flu, sinusitis, etc.)

• Get a flu shot every year. Many pharmacies offer vaccination services.
• Get in the habit of washing your hands regularly with water and ordinary soap, to reduce your risk of contamination.

Exposure to very cold air

• Cut back on your outdoor activities during extreme cold snaps.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you go outside.

Exposure to strong odours or pollutants

• Do not use perfume, and opt for fragrance-free personal care and cleaning products.
• On smoggy days, cut back on your outdoor activities.
• Avoid wood smoke (indoors and outdoors).

Stress and anxiety

• Try relaxation or breathing techniques.
• Identify the sources of stress in your life and, where possible, try to reduce them, for example by delegating certain tasks.

If you need help to adopt certain measures, or if you have concerns about your asthma triggers, talk to your pharmacist. He or she is there to help.