What causes asthma attacks?

Most people with asthma are sensitive or allergic to something—or many things—that may bring on attacks. These include:

• foods, especially eggs, shellfish and milk
• indoor and outdoor air pollution, including smog, smoke, pollen, mold, animal dander, dust, perfume, and paint or hair spray fumes
• vigorous exercise
• cold air or a weather change
• a virus or other respiratory illness
• stress, anxiety or an emotional outburst such as crying, laughing or screaming
  
  

How can I find out what sets off my asthma attacks?

Discovering the causes of your asthma attacks and learning how to avoid these triggers are important aspects of controlling the disease. Begin by keeping an asthma diary. Each time you have an attack, write down what you were doing before your symptoms started and where you were. Soon you should be able to recognize some recurring triggers.

Your healthcare provider might recommend skin tests to find food allergies or a special diet designed to avoid common problem foods. By adding potentially troublesome foods back to your diet one at a time, you may discover those that trigger your asthma attacks—and then avoid them whenever possible.