During an allergy attack, the body releases chemicals called mediators. These mediators often trigger asthma episodes. Irritants such as cold air, cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, perfume, and paint and gasoline fumes can trigger asthma. These irritants probably trigger asthma symptoms by stimulating irritant receptors in the respiratory tract. These receptors, in turn, cause the muscles surrounding the airway to constrict, resulting in an asthma attack.
Viral infections are the leading cause of acute asthma attacks.
Surprisingly, bacterial infections, with the exception of sinusitis, generally do not bring about asthma attacks. If you have asthma, you probably want to know how to reduce your chances of having an asthma episode and what to do once you have an asthma episode. Your doctor will be able to assist you. Consult your physician to set up an asthma management plan. Your doctor can help you learn to monitor your asthma, take appropriate medication for your asthma, and identify and avoid your asthma triggers.