Ten Things that Can Cause an Asthma Attack

Asthma is a common condition that, according to the National Center for Environmental Health, strikes upwards  of 1 in 11 children and 1 in 12 adults.

Asthma rates in Louisville are even higher than the national average with 13% of adults in Jefferson County reported to have the condition, based on BRFSS data.

Asthma is a challenging disease that makes breathing difficult. When a person experiences an asthma attack, there is inflammation in the airways in their lungs, which causes breathing problems.

An asthma attack can vary in severity from more moderate to very severe. In the most extreme cases, people can even die from the condition.

Common symptoms associated with  an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. People experiencing an asthma attack also sometimes feel chest pain.

While researchers are still trying to understand factors that lead to an asthma attack, there is information about some potential factors. Here are 10 things that have been linked to asthma attacks.

1. Cigarette smoke
2. Air pollution
3. Physical activity
4. Mold
5. Pollen
6. Animals and dander
7. Illness including colds
8. Dust mites
9. Emotional outbursts (for example, extreme rage)
10. Some medicines.

For more helpful information about asthma, check out the CDC website’s asthma coverage.