We all know how an asthma attack looks like. But there are only a few people who know what causes it. There are many different things that can cause an asthma attack. Dogs, cats, and even pet birds can sometimes cause the attacks. Well known aggravators include cigarette smoke, dust, cold air, physical exercises - even laughing. Some asthma attacks are worse when people become very emotional (positive and negative alike). Virus infections of breathing passageways are also enemies of those suffering from asthma.

Now, who would expect this? Sometimes asthma is triggered because of treatments used to cure infections. That includes something as ordinary as aspirin and other acetylosalicil acid-based medications.

On the other hand, infections during the childhood years can be beneficial - the child's body organism is better fitted to fight the allergies and, since most causes of asthma are connected with some form of allergy, the infection can also have its protective effect.

Asthma attack - what causes it: the causes and the triggers

As mentioned above, an asthma attack is usually the result of some form of allergy. It doesn't matter what causes it - the result is the same. Without allergy reactions or airways' inflammation there can be no asthma attack.

After learning about allergies you may ask: "What about laughter, physical exercises or tobacco smoke? They all can induce an asthma attack".

Yes, the problem is to see the difference between what "induces" an asthma attack and what "causes" it (usually it's an allergy). The "causes" are very general and you can't do a thing about them. But fortunately you can try to avoid anything that might trigger an asthma attack. It doesn't matter what causes it in general - if you can avoid triggers, you can avoid most of the attacks.

Asthma attack - what causes it: know your enemy

The triggers can vary greatly depending upon your general health. As we said, most allergens can trigger an asthma attack: cats' or dogs' fur, cold infections, air (this includes temperature, smoke and other similar things). Your doctor should carefully examine the triggers to prepare the proper treatment. For you it is important to remember what your asthma attack triggers are and avoid instant exposure to them if possible. The old saying: "Know your enemy" is extremely useful here. You have to know what causes your asthma. It is necessary if you want to live an active and happy life.

Preventative drugs can reduce the probability of an asthma attack, but, to be honest, it will never disappear. However, if you know what causes it, you can find your own methods of avoiding contact with the triggers. That includes exposure to cold air, the control emotions, how to properly air condition in your home, car or work. Most triggers can be neutralized if you have prepared for them properly.

As always... If you have any doubts, ask your doctor.

About the author:

Mark Walters leads the fight against asthma from http://www.AsthmaRoom.com