What triggers should I avoid to reduce asthma attacks?

1. Tobacco smoke and environmental pollution

• Active and passive exposure to tobacco smoke is a common trigger of asthma attacks.
• Air pollution, vehicle exhaust, cooking fumes, incense smoke, and burnt odors can also cause airway constriction.

People with asthma should avoid smoking and limit exposure to smoky environments while ensuring that their living spaces are well ventilated.

2. Dust, irritating odors, and indoor allergens

• House dust, fine particulate matter, dust mites, and pet dander are common allergens.
• Strong odors, such as heavily scented perfumes, cleaning chemicals, paint, and solvents, can irritate the airways.

Patients should clean their homes regularly, avoid keeping pets in the bedroom, and minimize direct exposure to irritating odors.

3. Sudden weather changes

• Cold, dry air or sudden changes in weather can trigger asthma attacks.

Patients should keep themselves warm in cold weather, particularly around the neck and chest, and avoid direct exposure of the face and airways to cold winds.

4. Respiratory infections

• Influenza, pharyngitis, and rhinosinusitis are common causes of asthma exacerbations.

Patients should wash their hands frequently, wear masks in crowded places, and receive annual influenza vaccination, as well as pneumococcal, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations, as recommended.

5. Inappropriate physical exertion

• Excessive physical exertion, particularly in cold or polluted environments, can trigger asthma attacks.

Patients should continue to engage in appropriate physical activity, warm up thoroughly before exercise, and follow healthcare professionals’ recommendations.

6. Poor adherence to treatment

• Stopping controller medication when symptoms improve is a common reason for asthma recurrence and poor disease control.

Patients should take their controller medication regularly as prescribed, even when they have no symptoms.

7. Key health education message

Avoiding triggers, combined with appropriate treatment and regular follow-up, helps most people with asthma achieve good disease control and reduce exacerbations.

Patients should consult their doctors for individualized advice on triggers relevant to their specific condition.

This health education material is based on recommendations from the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of bronchial asthma.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.