What triggers asthma symptoms?
Triggers do not cause asthma – they are factors which may bring on symptoms or attacks of asthma. There are seven main triggers. 1 Virus infections of the upper respiratory tract (mainly colds or ‘flu). Everyone with asthma will be familiar with the cold that ‘goes to the chest’. Overall, this is the commonest trigger for episodes of asthma, particularly in young children, and accounts for the peak in asthma attacks that occurs in the autumn, when colds are rife. 2 Exercise. All forms of exercise, but particularly running, can bring on asthma symptoms within a few minutes. Treatment is usually effective in preventing this sort of asthma. 3 Emotional factors and stress. Overexcitement in children and laughter are perhaps the two emotions most likely to bring on symptoms. Stress may bring on asthma attacks, or make symptoms worse. 4 Atmospheric conditions. Changes in weather and temperature are well known to provoke symptoms. In the UK, cold dry air is perhaps the best example (in Hong K
