An asthma attack can occur when you are exposed to things in the environment such as house dust mites and tobacco smoke. These are called asthma triggers. Some of the most important triggers are listed below.

Environmental Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke)

Environmental tobacco smoke is often called "secondhand smoke" because it is smoke that is breathed in not by a smoker but by a second person nearby. Parents, friends, and relatives of children with asthma should try to stop smoking and should never smoke around a person with asthma. They should only smoke outdoors and not in the family home or car. They should not allow others to smoke in the home, and they should make sure their child's school is smoke-free.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are in almost everybody's home, but they don't cause everybody to have asthma attacks. If you have asthma, dust mites may be a trigger for an attack. To help prevent asthma attacks, use mattress covers and pillow case covers to make a barrier between dust mites and yourself. Don't use down-filled pillows, quilts, or comforters. Remove stuffed animals and clutter from your bedroom.

Outdoor Air Pollution

Pollution caused by industrial emissions and automobile exhaust can cause an asthma attack. Pay attention to air quality forecasts on radio and television and plan your activities for when air pollution levels will be low if air pollution aggravates your asthma.

Cockroach Allergen

Cockroaches and their droppings may trigger an asthma attack. Get rid of cockroaches in your home and keep them from coming back by taking away their food and water. Cockroaches are usually found where food is eaten and crumbs are left behind. Remove as many water and food sources as you can because cockroaches need food and water to survive. Vacuum or sweep areas that might attract cockroaches at least every 2 or 3 days. You can also use roach traps or gels to decrease the number of cockroaches in your home.

Pets

Furry pets may trigger an asthma attack. When a furry pet is suspected of causing asthma attacks, the simplest solution is to find the pet another home. If pet owners are too attached to their pets or are unable to locate a safe, new home for the pet, they should keep the pet out of the bedroom of the person with asthma.

Pets should be bathed weekly and kept outside as much as possible. People with asthma are not allergic to their pet's fur, so trimming your pet's fur will not help your asthma. If you have a furry pet, vacuum often to clean up anything that could cause an asthma attack. If your floors have a hard surface, such as wood or tile, and are not carpeted, damp mop them every week.

Mold

When mold is inhaled or breathed in, it can cause an asthma attack. Get rid of mold in all parts of your home to help control your asthma attacks. Keep the humidity level in your home between 35% and 50%. In hot, humid climates, you may need to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier or both. Fix water leaks, which allow mold to grow behind walls and under floors.

Other Triggers

Strenuous physical exercise; some medicines; bad weather such as thunderstorms, high humidity, or freezing temperatures; and some foods and food additives can trigger an asthma attack.

Strong emotional states can also lead to hyperventilation and an asthma attack.

Learn what triggers your attacks so that you can avoid the triggers whenever possible and be alert for a possible attack when the triggers cannot be avoided.

Asthma attacks are not all the same-some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.

Severe asthma attack is life threatening and it requires treatment immediately. If the asthma attack that you have is not be relieved with your quick relief medicines, don't hesitate to go to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention.

It is important that you discussed with your medical health provider the symptoms and situations that will require you to go to the nearest hospital.

Common signs that your asthma attack had worsen and needs emergency treatment are:

1.Your shortness of breath or wheezing becomes worse
2.You don't feel relieved with your quick relief medications like bronchodilators
3.You have shortness of breath even with minimal activity.

Asthma medications can change overtime depending on the severity and frequency of the attack. You have to consult with your medical health provider the medications that you need for asthma attack.

If you are using medications for long time now, it is recommended that you consult with your medical health provider if there's a need to change or double your dosage. However, overusing medications more than what is prescribed might worsen the damage to your lungs.

It is recommended that you learn asthma management with your medical health provider to avoid severe asthma attacks.