Asthma is a breathing problem that has existed for centuries. The word comes from the Greek meaning difficult or labored breathing. It is the result of a person’s airways swelling. Extra mucus is produced. The body does not receive sufficient air. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are asthma symptoms. No cure exists, but the symptoms can be treated. There are specific situations that may trigger an asthma attack:

1. Weather
Both hot and cold air can both trigger asthma. When it is hot and humid in the summer, the air is full of particles such as pollen. These substances enter the body and cause the swelling that restricts breathing. Cold air is dry. It irritates the airways and once again they swell.

2. Exercise
When a person exercises they need more air. They breathe harder to take in that needed air. Cold air is especially hard on a person exercising. A normal individual has a difficult time. For someone with asthma, the cold air combined with exercise produces the trigger that leads to an attack.

3. Pets
Any substance that irritates the airways can lead to an asthma attack. Hair from dogs and cats are one of the most likely culprits. The hair either gathers on the carpet, or it is suspended in air. In addition, dogs and cats enjoy close interaction with humans. It is hard to avoid breathing in hair particles. Anyone with asthma should avoid close contact with pets. This is difficult if there is a dog and cat in the home. An attack can be triggered with even an innocent time with a pet.

4. Dust in homes
Dust is similar to pet hair. It is next to impossible to avoid. No cleaning can make a home dust free. It is just another substance that causes the airways to swell. A normal person may have a brief cough from inhaling dust. A person with asthma will experience the coughing and wheezing that precedes the attack.

5. Secondhand smoke
The trend is clear. Any airborne particle can trigger asthma. Cigarette smoke is just one more item on the list. An enclosed home traps the smoke. It stays in the air. Everyone in the home will inhale the smoke. As with other items, a person with asthma has a different reaction. The swelling is more acute. An attack can occur without notice when the substance reaches a certain critical point.

6. Workplace hazards
Many places of employment are full of substances that trigger asthma. A plant that uses chemicals that produce fumes is one example. Dust in workplaces can be much worse than dust at home. A person with asthma has to be very careful about choosing a place of employment. Factories are by their very nature places that trigger asthma.

7. Allergies
An allergy is basically something that causes an adverse reaction for an individual. Some people are allergic to cats. Others are allergic to dust or smoke. Asthma can be described as an allergy to numerous substances outlined herein. A person with asthma has to learn what allergic substances trigger an episode.

The bottom line is to learn what situations are most likely to trigger asthma for each person. The next step is to avoid those places as often as possible while still leading a life out in the world.