A 25-year-old member asked:
What causes an asthma attack?
3 doctor answers • 22 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alex Martinezanswered
Specializes in Allergy
Many triggers: Asthma starts with inflammation of the airways. That inflammation can be triggered by many exposures, such as allergies, infections, and weather changes. Irritants like cigarette smoke and dust can also start an asthma attack. Exercise for many people can also cause symptoms. In the last few years, acid reflux has been recognized as a cause for asthma. Avoiding & controlling these prevents attacks.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Indu Lal commented
Pediatrics 52 years experience
In children URI is most common cause of wheezing besides the other triggers.
Jan 21, 2012
Dr. James Glauber commented
Pediatrics 35 years experience
A recent study has disputed the assocation between asthma and acid reflux. The most common trigger for asthma attacks are upper respiratory infections.
Feb 7, 2012
Dr. Stevan Cordas commented
Internal Medicine 59 years experience
Sometimes chronic infectious sinusitis with noctural post nasal drainage can lead to bronchitis and then activate asthma.
Mar 5, 2012
Dr. Andrew Murphyanswered
Allergy and Immunology 31 years experience
Multiple Triggers: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that can have multiple different triggers: allergens, cold air, exercise, smells and stress for example. In addition there are other diseases that mimic asthma that must be evaluated that could mimic asthma -- churg strauss syndrome, Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis to name a few. See you doc for full evaluation and treatment plan.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Steven Machtingeranswered
Allergy and Immunology 46 years experience
Five major triggers: Exercise, cold air, pollution, respiratory infection especially viral respiratory infection, and allergens. Number 6 is laughter. That's right; ask anyone with asthma. There are 2 kinds of air pollution - outdoor & indoor. Everyone knows about outdoor pollution. Indoor pollution is cigarette smoke, wood smoke, gases from poorly-functioning gas appliances like a stove, cooking odors & fragrances.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
Can plants cause asthma attack?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Nayla Mumnehanswered
Allergy and Immunology 31 years experience
Asthma: If you are allergic to pollen yes you can have asthma from certain pollenating plants, see an allergist and determine what your triggers are to know what to avoid.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Could eating sushi cause an asthma attack?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anatoly Belilovskyanswered
Pediatrics 37 years experience
Yes.: In people sensitive to fish, soy sauce, or wasabi.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 30, 2020
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.