What Triggers an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack can be triggered by a number of different things. Allergens, infections, pollution, emotions, exercise and gastric reflux can all start or exacerbate an attack.

Classifying Asthma -

Source - When scientists go to classify asthma they think of the disease as a chronic inflammatory disease whose inflammation is caused by the results of the activity of antibodies. Antibodies start their inflammatory response in reaction to antigens that a person is sensitive or allergic to. This is called atopy. Atopic asthmatics have reactions to allergens that most people would tolerate. Things like smoke, cat dander, pollen, can send atopic asthmatics into coughing fits or worse. Some people have asthma attacks that are not based on this reaction to antigens. This is nonatopic asthma and people with this can have asthma attacks from things such as exercise, emotions and some medicines such as aspirin.

Fundamentals of Respiratory Care, pages 186 - 187. Published by Delmar Thomason Learning 2002
http://www.uchicagokidshospital.org/online-library/content=P01686

 

 

Last Updated 11/30/2008 7:49:49 PM

 

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