Numerous factors can be responsible for triggering an asthma attack. Asthmatics are usually allergic to more than one trigger and their asthma symptoms may vary from wheeziness, to shortness of breath, chest tightening or the over production of mucus. Both indoor and outdoor air pollution, natural and man-made, can trigger asthma attacks. Common indoor pollutant triggers include the dustmite , mould and cigarette smoke . Cigarette smoke is damaging to everyone's airways, but can be particularly bad for people with asthma.
Smoke causes the airways to narrow, making it more difficult to breathe.
Outdoors , natural plant, grass and tree pollen can act as triggers in some asthmatics. Man-made pollution may also be detrimental to asthmatics. Although it has not been proven that a link exists between air pollution and asthma, certain pollutants, including sulphur dioxide , nitrogen dioxide and ozone are known to restrict the airways and make it more difficult for asthma sufferers to breathe. Fine particulate matter is also suspected to be a lung irritant. Although there is no cure for asthma at present, inhalers can be used to reduce the severity of the symptoms.