You Should Know About The Effects Plug-In Air Fresheners Can Have On Your Lungs …More Triggers You Should Avoid to Prevent Lung Disease
If you’ve ever experienced an asthma attack, you know how frightening it can be. That sudden chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath can make every second feel overwhelming. But what exactly causes these attacks—and more importantly, how can you avoid them?
The first step in preventing asthma symptoms is understanding your personal triggers. Some might surprise you. Below are seven of the most common and unexpected asthma attack triggers, along with tips on how to manage them.
Plug-In Air Fresheners
You may love the cozy scent of cinnamon or vanilla wafting through your home, but those popular plug-in air fresheners might be doing more harm than good. Many contain ozone and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate sensitive airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
Safer option? Boil cinnamon sticks or use natural essential oil diffusers to add fragrance without the harmful chemicals.
Pets (Yes, Even the Fluffy Ones!)
As much as we adore our furry companions, up to 30% of people with asthma are allergic to pets, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). Pet dander, saliva, and even fur can trigger reactions.
If parting with your pet isn’t an option, bathe and groom them regularly, and keep them out of your bedroom to reduce allergens.
Allergies (Environmental & Food-Based)
Asthma and allergies go hand-in-hand. Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander are common triggers. But did you know food allergies can also cause asthma symptoms?
Foods like shellfish, tree nuts, dairy, and even wheat can lead to allergic asthma attacks. Some food additives, like sulfites, may also play a role.
Dust Mites
One of the biggest offenders, dust mites, affect up to 90% of people with allergic asthma. These tiny creatures thrive in bedding, upholstery, and carpets.
What helps?
- Use allergen-proof bedding
- Vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Wash sheets weekly in hot water
Weather Changes
Yes, the weather can literally take your breath away. Cold, dry air can irritate the airways, while hot, humid conditions can increase pollen and pollutant levels. Sudden weather shifts or thunderstorms may also stir up mold spores and pollen particles.
Tip: Wear a scarf over your mouth in cold weather, and monitor pollen counts during spring and summer.
Stress
Stress isn’t just in your head—it can manifest physically and affect your breathing. Strong emotions and chronic stress can lead to hyperventilation, tightening your chest and worsening asthma symptoms.
Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or gentle yoga can help calm both your body and your lungs.
Food Additives
That packaged snack might be convenient—but for some, it’s also a trigger. Additives like sulfites, nitrates, MSG, and artificial colors (like tartrazine) can provoke asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
What to avoid:
- Processed deli meats
- Packaged foods with artificial coloring
- Bottled lemon or lime juice
- Snack foods with MSG
Instead, stick to whole, natural foods as often as possible.
Final Thoughts: Awareness is Key
While asthma triggers can vary from person to person, knowing the common culprits—and your personal sensitivities—can make a huge difference in controlling symptoms. Keeping a symptom journal, following your asthma action plan, and avoiding or minimizing exposure to known triggers can help you breathe easier and live more freely.
You’ve just read, The Effects Plug-In Air Fresheners Can Have. Why not read Manager Had To Hire A New Employee.