Common triggers of asthma

Abstract

Control of asthma is enhanced when careful consideration is given to underlying mechanisms. Patients can be advised of ways to avoid or minimize contact with offending allergens, and, in some cases, pharmacologic management may not be necessary. Care must be taken when treating patients with concomitant disorders, such as hyperthyroidism. Also, psychological factors may have a role in exacerbating symptoms in suggestible patients. Noncompliance, in some cases due to inability to pay for medication, may be an unrecognized cause of treatment failure.

Biochemical aspects of breathing

“…• Avoidance by lactating mothers of milk, eggs, fish and nuts -and avoidance by the infant (up to 12 months) of the same foods plus soy, wheat and oranges -reduced allergic disease (including asthma) in 58 cases compared with 62 controls (Spector 1991). • In adults who have asthma the prevalence of food allergy in one double-blind, placebo-controlled study was 2%, and in children 6.8%.…”

Biochemical Aspects of Breathing

“…Histamine is secreted by mast cells during exposure to allergens, and the level of circulating histamine rises during prolonged hyperventilation (Kontos et a1 1972). Wilson and colleagues demonstrated (1982) that even in the absence of an immediate episode of bronchospasm, a reac-Box 3.3 Food sensitivity and its relation to bronchial conditions A summary of the evidence relating food sensitivity to asthma and other bronchial conditions is given below: 0 Avoidance by lactating mothers of milk, eggs, fish, and nutsand avoidance by the infant (up to 12 months) of the same foods plus soy, wheat, and orangesreduced allergic disease (including asthma) in 58 cases compared with 62 controls (Spector 1991) In adults who have asthma the prevalence of food allergy in one double-blind, placebo controlled study was 2%, and in children 6.8%. This last effect is especially relevant to asthmatics, but can affect anyone to some degree, adding to breathing difficulty.…”

Do Obese Adults Have a Higher Risk of Asthma Attack When Exposed to Indoor Mold? A Study Based on the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

“…An asthma attack can be triggered by many factors such as infections, exposure to mold, and pollens. [18][19][20][21] Although reports have demonstrated that exposure to molds is associated with the development of asthma, [2][3][4][5] the hypothesis that molds or fungi contribute to asthma development and trigger asthma attack is still controversial. 22 More studies with stronger evidence are needed to support this hypothesis.…”