Asthma triggers to avoid and how urgent care can help
Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on July 22nd, 2025.
Asthma is an illness that affects the lungs, causing symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness and coughing at night or early in the morning.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8.9% of the U.S. population has asthma. It is one of the most common long-term illnesses in children, although adults can have asthma as well.
If you have asthma, it is important to know what triggers an asthma attack, what you can do to reduce the frequency of attacks, and how to improve your symptoms.
Common asthma triggers you should know
Asthma attacks typically happen when you are exposed to an asthma trigger, or something that causes an asthma attack. But what triggers asthma? Triggers can vary from person to person, but there are a few common triggers.
Asthma triggers include:
- Allergies
- Air pollution
- Breathing mold
- Chemicals or strong fragrances
- Cockroaches or other pests
- Dry, cold air
- Dust mites
- Furry pets
- High humidity
- Physical activity
- Respiratory illnesses
- Second-hand smoke
- Sinus infections
- Strong emotions
- Wildfire smoke
Practical ways to help avoid asthma triggers
Avoiding an asthma attack means trying to limit your exposure to your personal triggers. But how you limit your exposure will depend on what triggers your asthma. A healthcare provider can help you come up with a personalized plan to manage your triggers, but here are a few practical ways to get started.
If one of your triggers is secondhand smoke, you will need to avoid people who smoke or situations where you could be exposed to smoke. If a trigger is environmental smoke, if there are wildfires or high levels of pollution near you, you may need to remain indoors for a few days and use a HEPA air filter indoors.
If your asthma is triggered by at-home environmental factors such as dust mites, furry pets, or cockroaches, you can try to reduce your exposure to these triggers inside your home. A few things that might help include:
- Avoid down-filled pillows or comforters
- Keep humidity levels between 30-50% in your home
- Keep trash containers closed
- Keep pets out of your bedroom
- Seal cracks in walls and baseboards
- Store food in airtight containers
- Use an allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA-equipped vacuum
- Wash bedding weekly
- Wash pets regularly
How an urgent care supports asthma management
Our caring and knowledgeable urgent care providers are here to play a supporting role in your asthma management. We offer fast, expert care when your symptoms flare up. All of our centers are equipped to handle mild to moderate asthma attacks by offering treatments such as nebulizer therapy, oxygen or fast-acting medications.
For longer-term management, we can help you identify and better understand your asthma triggers and provide strategies to avoid them. Our providers can help you adjust your asthma action plan so you feel confident managing your symptoms on your own. We can also provide referrals to specialists, if needed.
Our centers offer extended hours and same-day appointments, 365 days a year, so you don’t have to wait for your doctor to be available before your concerns are addressed.
Whether it's a sudden asthma flare or an assessment of your current treatment, we are here to help. To get started, just find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online. We are here to help when you need it most.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to avoid asthma.
Can allergies cause an asthma attack?
Yes, allergens like pollen, dust mites or pet dander can trigger asthma symptoms or even full asthma attacks in people with allergic asthma. Part of your asthma action plan should include reducing your exposure to allergens in your home.
What are the main things to avoid if I have asthma?
Asthma triggers can vary, so it is important to avoid anything that triggers your asthma. This may include allergens, tobacco smoke, air pollution, dust, furry animals, pests or mold.
How can an urgent care help if my asthma is triggered?
Urgent care can provide fast relief for mild to moderate asthma with treatments like nebulizers, oxygen or medications. We can also help you update your asthma action plan or provide referrals if needed.
Can stress trigger an asthma attack?
Yes, emotional stress can cause changes in breathing patterns and inflammation that may trigger an asthma attack.
What is the difference between an asthma allergen and an irritant?
Allergens, like pollen or mold, trigger an immune response, increasing inflammation in the lungs when you are exposed. Irritants, like smoke or strong odors, worsen symptoms of asthma without involving the immune system.
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/asthma.htm
