Sitting in traffic can trigger an asthma attack.
Most people are aware of the more common asthma triggers, like intense exercise, cold air and allergens like pollen and dust mites. However, there are some much more unusual triggers of asthma that you might not expect. Don't let yourself get caught off guard by these unexpected asthma triggers:
- Laughter or crying. Unfortunately, having extreme emotions on either end of the spectrum can lead to an asthma attack. When you're laughing or crying, your airways are constricted, reducing airflow and deviating from normal breathing patterns, which can cause your body to respond with an attack.
- Chemical preservatives. Certain common food additives, especially sulfites like sodium bisulfite and potassium bisulfite, have the potential to trigger asthma attacks in certain people. This can also happen as a result of nitrates in deli meats.
- Aspirin. According to Everyday Health, 10 percent of adults with asthma experience heightened asthma symptoms after taking aspirin. Other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can cause this reaction as well.
- Acid reflux. Some people with acid reflux experience asthma attacks after the acid in their throat aggravates their airways. Properly treating acid reflux can be key to relieving asthma symptoms.
- Alcohol. Certain types of alcoholic beverages, mainly wine and beer, can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, possibly because of the presence of sulfites in these drinks.
- Traffic. If you often find yourself stuck in traffic, you might want to keep an inhaler ready in your car, as heightened levels of exposure to air pollution during traffic jams can trigger asthma attacks.
To protect yourself against certain asthma triggers, there's no better investment than a home air purifier. Contact US Air Purifiers today for help finding air purifiers for asthma.