Asthma is a medical condition where inflammation obstructs air from leaving and entering the lungs. When a person is having an asthma attack, they struggle to even draw a full breath. The chest starts to tighten and breathing quickens. It’s a very scary experience. Learning what triggers an asthma attack can help you avoid it. 

 

When a person is having an asthma attack, the muscles around the bronchial tubes tighten. These narrow passages make it incredibly hard to breathe. Other accompanying symptoms include wheezing and a rattling sound in the chest. 

 

How long the attack lasts varies. It depends on what triggered it and how badly the bronchial tubes are inflamed. A mild attack only lasts a few minutes and is resolved with an inhaler. A severe attack can go on for hours or even days. 

 

An asthma attack occurs when a person is exposed to their allergens. Common examples are grass or weed pollen, dust mites, trees, animal dander, and cockroaches. Some people react badly to certain smells, like perfume. Extreme weather, like humidity, can also affect your lungs. 

 

Certain illnesses increase your chances of an attack too. Mainly the ones that affect your respiratory symptoms, like sinusitis, the flu, or an upper respiratory infection. This includes aggravating your lungs by vigorously exercising.  

 

Pay attention to your body’s warning signs that an attack is coming on. You’ll notice an increased need for your inhaler, shortness of breath, a lingering cough, and problems exercising. 

 

Children experience asthma attacks more frequently and severely than adults. These triggers are extremely dangerous for young children: