Physical Triggers

Many people with asthma experience symptoms during/after exercise or other strenuous activity.

• Use asthma medications before exercise to open the airways or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about the exercise pretreatment program that's best for you.

Strong emotions — excitement, laughter, nervous stress — can trigger asthma in some people.

• Try deep breathing slowly for a few minutes or other relaxation exercises.

A cold, the flu or a sinus infection can trigger an asthma episode.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about getting an annual flu shot if you have asthma.
• Avoid coming into contact with people who have colds or the flu.
• Do everything you can to stay healthy, particularly during the winter cold and flu season: get plenty of rest, eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach acid flows backward up into the esophagus. In some people this triggers asthma, which may improve when the reflux is treated.

Download: a printable version of this document.