Types of asthma triggers

CategoryExamples
Respiratory tract infections

Influenza

Pneumococcal disease

Pertussis

Rhinovirus

RSV

Allergens

Animals

Cockroaches

House dust mite

Moulds

Pollens

Occupational allergens

Airborne irritants

Cigarette smoke

Smoke (including bushfires, vegetation reduction fires, indoor wood fires)

Cold/dry air

Fuel stoves

Gas heaters

Home renovation materials

Household aerosols

Moulds (airborne endotoxins)

Occupational irritants

Outdoor industrial and traffic pollution

Perfumes/scents/incense

Medicines

Aspirin and NSAIDs (in patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease)

Beta-blockers

Echinacea

Dietary

Food chemicals/additives (if person is intolerant)

Thermal effects (e.g. cold drinks)

Physiological and psychological states

Exercise

Laughter

Extreme emotions

Pregnancy