Various Causes and Triggers of Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a chronic inflammation or inflammation of the respiratory tract. The cause of asthma can vary for each person. However, one thing that is certain is that asthma occurs when the respiratory tract which is already inflamed and sensitive in asthma sufferers is exposed to a trigger substance, it can cause the airway to become inflamed, narrowed, and filled with mucus so an asthma attack occurs.
At the time of an asthma attack, there are several things below, namely:
- Muscle spasm around the airway
- Inflammation and swelling of the airway wall
- Excessive mucus production which also causes airway constriction
The various things above lead to increased resistance and increased difficulty in breathing work, causing shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing (the sound of breathing sounds loudly). Coughing in asthma results from irritation of the airways and the body's efforts to remove excess mucus in the airways.
One of the best ways to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid exposure to allergens (if asthma is caused by an allergic reaction) or certain foods or conditions that trigger an asthma attack.
1. Allergy
Allergy is the most common cause of asthma. About 80% of people with asthma have allergies to certain ingredients, such as grass, pollen, moss, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroaches.
Based on a study, children who are more often exposed to cockroaches in their homes have a risk of asthma that is four times higher than children who are rarely exposed to cockroaches. The occurrence of an asthma attack after exposure to dust is usually caused by allergies to mite dust.
2. Food
Food allergies can cause a mild to severe allergic reaction or even life-threatening. Some types of foods that often cause allergic reactions are:
- Egg
- Cow's milk
- Peanuts
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shrimp and other shellfish
- Vegetables and fruits
- Food preservatives can also trigger an asthma attack.
3. Sports
Heavy exercise can cause airway constriction in about 80% of people with asthma. In some people, exercise is the main trigger for an asthma attack. If you have asthma due to exercise, then you will feel shortness of breath, chest feels heavy, coughing, and breathing difficulties within the first 5-8 minutes after exercise begins. These symptoms will usually subside within 20-30 minutes after exercise starts, but about 50% of patients will experience an asthma attack 6-10 hours later. To prevent asthma attacks, start exercising by warming up lightly and then slowly increase.
4. Stomach Acid
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a disease that also often triggers an asthma attack. This situation often occurs at night when the sufferer is lying down. Under normal circumstances, a valve between the stomach and esophagus prevents stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. However, in GERD this valve cannot function normally and causes stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. This can trigger irritation and inflammation of the airways and trigger an asthma attack.
You are suspected of having asthma due to GERD if you have asthma in adulthood, no other family member has a history of asthma, no history of allergies or bronchitis, asthma that is difficult to control, or the onset of coughing when lying down.
5. Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of asthma. If you suffer from asthma and smoking, this can worsen coughing and wheezing that occurs during an asthma attack. Women who smoke during pregnancy can increase the risk of wheezing in their babies. In addition, pregnant women who smoke can also interfere with the functioning of their baby's lungs. Quitting smoking is one of the best preventive measures if you have asthma.
6. Sinusitis and other upper respiratory tract infections
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucous tract of the sinuses. This causes excessive mucus production in the sinuses. When the sinuses become inflamed, the airways also become inflamed and cause asthma symptoms. Prevention and proper treatment of sinus infections can prevent and treat asthma attacks due to this infection.
In addition, flu and bronchitis can also trigger an asthma attack. The cause can be bacteria or viruses and is one of the most common causes of asthma in children under 10 years of age. Increased sensitivity of the upper airways which makes the airways more easily narrow can last for 2 months after an upper airway infection.
7. Medications
Most asthma sufferers have allergies to aspirin as well as other drugs. Other medicines are anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and beta blockers. If you have an allergy to any medication, tell your doctor every time you seek treatment.
8. Other Causes
Irritant
Various irritants that can trigger asthma attacks are smoke, fireplace smoke, smoke from burning trash or wood, strong odors such as perfume or floor cleaning agents. In addition, other air pollution and factory dust or steam can also trigger an asthma attack.
Weather
Cold air, temperature changes, and changes in air humidity can also cause asthma attacks.
Emotion
Stress, anxiety, sadness, shouting, anger, or laughing can also trigger an asthma attack.
