If you’re one of the 25 million Americans living with asthma, you know how quickly symptoms like coughing, wheezing or chest tightness can sneak up. But what you may not realize is that everyday things around you might be triggering those symptoms.
“Triggers are anything that inflame the airways and make asthma symptoms worse,” says Andrew Wong, MD, a primary care provider with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group. “They cause swelling and extra mucus, which leads to the shortness of breath and tightness people feel during an asthma flare.”
Dr. Wong explains that asthma triggers fall into two main categories: allergic and irritant. Knowing which type is affecting you — and how to manage it — can help prevent flare-ups before they start. >> Read more
