Asthma and Airway Centre

The Asthma Education Handbook

Non-Allergic Triggers

Non-allergic triggers are not allergies but cause irrition to your airways and cause them to tighten.

 

 

Preventitive Measures

• Stop smoking and avoid smoky areas
• Ensure good ventilation
• Use thick scarf over nose and mouth or use cold weather mask in cold weather
• Avoid strong smelling detergent
• Wear mask where possible

Trigger

Source
Various sports or activities

 

 

Preventitive Measures

• Do not avoid exercise
• Use your relief inhaler 10-15 minutes before exercise
• Warm up three to five minutes before exercise, and take three to five minutes cool down after exercise
• Increase the duration of activities gradually
• Choose sports you enjoy
• Exercise indoors in cold weather
• May be able to tolerate swimming better. Avoid scuba diving

Trigger
Source
Excitement, laughing, crying, fear, anxiety or stress

 

Preventitive Measures

• Use this relaxation technique: take slow deep breaths and breathe out slowly through your mouth (purse-lip breathing)
• Seek additional help from your doctor for stress and anxiety if necessary
  

Trigger

Source
Colds or chest infections

 

 

Preventitive Measures

• Monitor peak flows to detect early worsening signs of asthma
• Get guidelines from your doctor or seek help promptly
• Get yearly influenza injections
  

Trigger

Source
Working environment with fumes, gases, chemicals, dusty areas or constant exposure to wheat, flour, latex products

 

Preventitive Measures

• Use safety precautions (i.e. mask)
• Record peak flows at home and work to help confirm the diagnosis
• Consider moving to another department
• If possible, investigate before leaving your job if compensation claim is a possibility
  

Trigger

Source
Aspirin, or medication containing ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), beta blockers used for blood pressure control, and the treatment of heart disease (propranolol, metoprolol) and certain eye drops (timolol)

Preventitive Measures

• Notify your doctor of all medications you are taking so alternate medications can be prescribed safely
• Consider getting a MedicAlert® bracelet
  

 

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