Things you need to know about these "Triggers" if you have asthma!

Hello! Do you have asthma ? Or does someone in your family, maybe your little one, have asthma? Then it is very important to know exactly what these "Triggers" are. In fact, if you identify them correctly, you will get a lot of help in controlling asthma and living a normal life. Today we will talk about what these triggers are, why they bother people with asthma, and how to avoid them.

What are these "Triggers"? Let's understand them very simply, shall we?

Simply put, a "trigger" is anything that suddenly increases or starts your asthma symptoms - such as coughing, shortness of breath , chest tightness, and wheezing .

Imagine this: You're perfectly healthy. Suddenly, something (like a lot of dust or exposure to cold air) makes you cough and feel short of breath. That 'something' that triggers your asthma symptoms is what we call a trigger. It's like an invisible switch. When that switch is flipped, your asthma flares up.

The important thing is that these triggers are not the same for everyone . What triggers your asthma may not be what triggers your friend. Also, even for the same person, these triggers can change over time, such as during certain seasons, or as they get older. For example, if your child was allergic to dust mites in toys when they were young, this may have subsided as they get older, and things like pollen may become new triggers.

What are the main triggers that affect people with asthma? Let's take a look at them one by one!

There are several types of triggers that can affect you if you have asthma. Let's talk about the main ones in a little more detail.

1. Triggers caused by allergens

These are the main categories that cause asthma to flare up in many people. An allergen is something that our body's immune system recognizes as harmful and reacts against it.

• Dust mites: These are tiny creatures that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They live by feeding on dead skin cells in our bedding, pillows, mattresses, sofas, and curtains. The excrement of these creatures is what makes asthma worse. The main reason for this is not cleaning the dust in the house properly .
• Pollen: These tiny particles from trees, flowers, and grasses are carried into the air, especially when the wind blows them in. Inhaling them can make some people with asthma more likely to have symptoms. Pollen is usually highest in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Pet dander: The tiny bits of skin, fur, and saliva shed by animals like dogs and cats can cause allergies in some people. If you are allergic to animals, you may notice that your asthma worsens after a short time of touching them.
• Mold : Mold , which grows in damp areas, such as those that are poorly ventilated (e.g., bathrooms, under kitchen sinks , damp walls), is also a strong trigger. Inhaling the spores from this mold can aggravate asthma.

2. Triggers caused by environmental irritants

Although these do not act through the body's immune system like allergens, they can directly stimulate the airways and cause asthma symptoms.

• Types of smoke: Cigarette smoke (also known as passive smoking ), smoke from wood-burning stoves, and smoke from vehicles are all very dangerous for people with asthma. These smokes directly irritate the airways , making it difficult to breathe.
• Cold air: Sudden exposure to cold air, especially when going outside on cold days, can cause asthma to flare up. Cold, dry air dries out the airways , making them sensitive.
• Certain scents and chemicals: The smell of harsh chemicals found in strong perfumes, incense sticks, air fresheners, insecticides, and cleaning liquids can also be a trigger for some people.
• Air pollution: When the air is polluted by harmful gases and dust particles emitted from factories, vehicles, etc., it greatly affects people with asthma.

3. Respiratory infections (colds and flu)

Viral infections of the respiratory system, such as colds, flu, and the common cold, are the main cause of asthma exacerbations in children . These infections cause inflammation and increased mucus production in the airways, which can worsen asthma symptoms.

4. Exercise

Exercise is great for your body, but some people with asthma may experience asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing) during or shortly after exercise. We call this "exercise-induced asthma." But this doesn't mean you should stop exercising. You can control this condition by talking to your doctor, taking appropriate medications, and warming up before exercising.

5. Strong Emotions and Stress

Asthma symptoms can also increase when we laugh a lot, when we are very sad, when we are angry, or when we are under a lot of stress, such as an exam. This happens because the way we breathe changes during these times.

6. Certain Medications

Painkillers like aspirin, or some high blood pressure medications (e.g., `Beta-blockers`) can be a trigger for a small number of people with asthma. If you have asthma, be sure to tell your doctor before taking any new medication.

7. Weather changes

When the weather changes suddenly – for example, when it suddenly rains on a very hot day and then turns cold, or when there is strong wind – some people's airways can become sensitive to such changes and their asthma can worsen.

How do I find out exactly what triggers my asthma?

The most important step in controlling your asthma is to identify exactly what triggers make it worse for you. There are a few things you can do to help:

• Keep a symptom diary: Write down the time your asthma flares up, what you were doing at the time, the environment you were in, and the foods you ate. After doing this for about a month, you'll start to notice a pattern. You'll start to notice things like, "Oh... I cough more when I'm in the dust."
• Talk to your doctor: Discuss your symptoms, your diary entries, and other things with your doctor. Your doctor can then help you figure out what your triggers are.
• Allergy tests: Sometimes your doctor may refer you for an allergy test. This can help determine exactly what you are allergic to (e.g. dust mites, pollen, certain foods).

Important: It is important to be diagnosed with asthma and use the appropriate treatment (such as inhalers) correctly. Avoiding triggers and taking the medication prescribed by your doctor is the best way to control your asthma.

How do you avoid these triggers? (Management)

Once you've identified your triggers, the next step is to avoid them as much as possible. While it's difficult to completely avoid every trigger, there are many things you can do to reduce your exposure to them.

• Reduce dust mites:
• Wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week.
• Use special covers (`mite-proof covers`) for mattresses and pillows.
• Don't pile up unnecessary items in rooms. Keep books and toys in closed cupboards.
• If possible, remove carpets and use tile or wooden flooring.
• Protect yourself from pollen:
• Stay indoors as much as possible during peak flower season (early mornings, windy days).
• If you go out, wear a mask. Change clothes and take a shower when you get home.
• Keep the windows of your home closed, especially when the pollen is abundant.
• Avoid fumes:
• If anyone in your home smokes, help them quit. Strictly say no smoking inside the house.
• If you use a wood stove, make sure to install a chimney that allows the smoke to escape properly.
• Protect yourself from cold winds:
• When going out on cold days, wear a muffler or scarf that covers your mouth and nose.
• Control Mold:
• Keep damp areas of the house (bathrooms, kitchens) clean and dry.
• Ensure good ventilation. Remove moldy areas with appropriate cleaners.

Little things like these can make a big difference. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor regularly to determine the best way to manage your asthma.

What you need to remember from what we've talked about (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so we've talked a lot today about these "triggers" that make asthma worse. Here are the main things you need to remember:

• A "trigger" is anything that causes your asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath) to start or worsen.
• These triggers can vary from person to person , with age, and with the weather.
• The main triggers are allergens (dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold), smoke, cold air, illnesses like the common cold, exercise, and sometimes strong emotions.
• It's important to find out what your triggers are. Keep a symptom diary and talk to your doctor.
• The best way to control asthma is to avoid triggers as much as possible and to use the medication prescribed by your doctor.

Don't worry, asthma is not a disease that, if managed properly, will prevent you from living a normal, happy life. May you be empowered to be aware of your triggers and protect yourself from them!

Asthma, triggers, allergies, breathing difficulties, cough, pollen, smoke, exercise