From scented candles to thunderstorms…8 surprising things that can trigger asthma attacks
YOU probably already know that things like pollution and smoking can trigger potentially deadly asthma attacks.
But there are a surprising number of other things that pose a risk to the 5.4 million Brits who suffer from the condition.
And it's vital that asthmatics know these irritants so they can avoid them, or be prepared if they trigger an asthma attack, according to Sonia Munde from Asthma UK.
"While you may not be able to control how much you are exposed to your asthma triggers, you can build up your protection against them by taking your preventer medication as prescribed," she told The Sun Online.
"This reduces and soothes the inflammation in your sensitive airways and means they are less likely to react when you come into contact with asthma triggers.
"If you know allergies trigger your asthma, take your antihistamines as prescribed.
"If you suspect you may have an allergy that makes your asthma symptoms worse, speak to your GP.
"Everyone with asthma should also make sure they keep their blue reliever inhaler with them at all times in case of an emergency."
Here's eight things that can trigger asthma attacks.
1. Scented candles
They may smell nice, but they can be an irritant for those with asthma.
About65 per cent of people with asthma tell report that scented candles trigger asthma symptoms.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly which chemicals or fragrances are most likely to trigger people with asthma, our advice is for people to avoid them if they notice they cough more or get symptoms such as breathlessness around scented candles," Sonia said.
2. Thunderstorms
Yes, there really is a link between the weather and asthma attacks.
That's because humid and stormy weather conditions can break particles of pollen and pollution into much smaller pieces.
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"These tiny particles can be inhaled much more deeply into people’s lungs and irritate their airways, which can lead to potentially fatal asthma attacks," Sonia said.
"People with asthma who usually find their asthma is triggered by pollen or pollution should take particular care during thunderstorms, staying indoors with the windows closed where possible."
3. Stress
Stress and emotions can also trigger an attack.
"Experiencing strong emotions such as stress, excitement or anger can trigger asthma because they can affect the way we breathe," Sonia added.
"This also happens when people express their emotions by laughing or crying a lot.
"Their breathing may become quicker and less regular, which can trigger asthma symptoms and even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
"Experiencing emotions is a part of life and they cannot be avoided, but if people are going through an emotional time then it’s a good idea for them to be aware that it could have an impact on their asthma."
4. Sex
Just like exercise, sex can pose a risk to asthma sufferers because it can leave them out of breath.
About 68 per cent of people with the condition say it affects their sex life, according to Asthma UK.
"Some people find that changes in breathing patterns when they become aroused can trigger asthma symptoms, but it can also be down to heightened emotions," Sonia said.
"Even worrying about having an asthma attack during sex can trigger symptoms for some people, which creates a vicious cycle.";
5. Hormones
This is something that mainly affects women.
Changing hormone levels can affect a woman during puberty, just before her period, during pregnancy and during menopause.
Sonia said: "It’s not yet known exactly why changes in female hormone levels affect asthma symptoms.
"One theory is that they may directly affect the airways or cause the body to have a stronger inflammatory response to infection, but more research is needed in this area before we can say for certain."
6. Hay fever
Hay fever can trigger an asthma attack at any time of the year, even winter.
Some trees – such as hazel and alder – can start releasing pollen as early as January, and elm and willow trees are at their peak in February and March.
"As symptoms include a runny, itchy or blocked nose and sneezing, it’s easy to dismiss these warning signs as a common cold," Sonia said.
"However, this confusion could mean people who are allergic to this type of pollen are more likely to have an asthma attack because they aren’t taking hay fever medication."
7. Bonfires
If you're a big fan of Bonfire Night then we've got bad news for you.
The smoke from burning wood and firework displays can trigger a potentially deadly asthma attack.
"When you breathe in smoke from the air, the particles go right down into the lungs making them irritated and inflamed, which can lead to asthma symptoms and asthma attacks," Sonia added.
"We never want people with asthma to miss out, but we do want them to be safe and aware of the increased risk around bonfires, when pollution will be higher than normal."
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8. Christmas trees
Taking away from the joy of Christmas a little bit, Christmas trees can irritate an asthma sufferers airways and cause an attack.
"Most of the time mould is obvious in the home, but many people don’t realise that mould also naturally grows on Christmas trees," Sonia said.
"This is made worse when people turn their heating on, as the warmer temperature encourages mould to grow faster.
"People who are allergic to mould could ask a friend to help them hose or wipe their Christmas tree down outside, and keeping it in a cooler part of the house will help to stop mould from growing as quickly."
You can find out more about Asthma UK and what triggers attacks at their
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