People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs that react to triggers, causing a ‘flare-up’ which can develop slowly or within minutes. A sudden or sever flare-up is often called an asthma attack.

Asthma triggers vary from person to person. Identifying and avoiding your triggers where possible can help improve asthma control. Taking your preventer medication as prescribed can also help make your airways less sensitive to triggers.

Common triggers include:

• Exercise or physical activity.
• Colds and flu.
• Allergens such as animals, house dust mites, moulds and pollens.
• Poor air quality including smoke, dusty environments, traffic, cleaning products and scents.
• Weather and sudden changes in temperature.
• Certain medications.
• Emotions such as stress and anxiety.
• Food and additives.
• Health conditions such as obesity, hormonal changes and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.