Triggers

​​If you are an asthma sufferer but find that you are getting cold-like symptoms throughout the year, it may be that you are also suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects sufferers throughout the spring and/or summer months, mostly between March and August when the pollen levels are at their highest.  Allergic rhinitis can affect both your quality of life and your day-to-day activities.  Research has shown that allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked and for some people, if their allergy is not well managed it can make their asthma symptoms worse.  Up to 80% of asthma sufferers also suffer with allergic rhinitis.  It makes sense, therefore, to have an integrated approach to treat both conditions.  Treatment should also include allergen avoidance wherever possible.  You can find out more information from Allergy UK's website (www.allergyuk.org).

To keep up to date with the weather and pollen forecasts, visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk and download the app for either iPhone or Android phones.

Perennial Rhinitis

If you suffer with year-round symptoms, or perennial rhinitis, you may be reacting to house-dust mite. Not all perennial rhinitis is allergy induced.

Common asthma triggers include airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, Mould), respiratory infections (colds, flu, COVID-19), irritants like tobacco smoke and pollution, cold air, exercise, and strong emotions. These factors cause airways to tighten and become inflamed.

Major Categories of Asthma Triggers:

Allergens: Pollen (trees, grass, weeds), dust mites, pet fur/dander, Mould, and pest droppings (cockroaches, rodents).

Respiratory Infections: Viruses, including the common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, are major, frequent triggers.

Environmental Irritants: Cigarette smoke, vaping, strong odours (perfumes, cleaning products), air pollution, smog, and fireplace fumes.

Weather and Temperature: Cold, dry air; sudden temperature changes; high humidity; and thunderstorms.

Physical Activity: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which causes airway narrowing during or after physical exertion.

Emotions: Stress, anxiety, intense laughter, or crying can affect breathing patterns.

Medications and Foods: Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and beta-blockers; allergies to certain foods.

Occupational Exposure: Irritants at work, such as flour dust, chemical fumes, wood dust, or cleaning agents.

For monitoring the Daily Air Quality Index (AQI) with a focus on asthma management, several apps provide specific health recommendations and environmental tracking to help prevent flare-ups: 

  • IQAir AirVisual: Provides a dedicated "Sensitive Group" information layer. It offers real-time hourly updates on PM2.5 and other pollutants, 7-day forecasts, and actionable health advice specifically for respiratory conditions like asthma.
  • Plume Labs: Frequently cited by users with asthma for helping schedule outdoor exercise during "fresh air moments". It provides street-level maps to help you avoid pollution hotspots in real-time.
  • MyAsthma: An expert-led app that combines environmental forecasting (weather, pollution, and pollen) with personal symptom tracking and inhaler technique videos.
  • Propeller Health: Often used with a sensor that attaches to your inhaler, this app provides personalized asthma forecasts based on your local air quality and weather. It tracks where you use your rescue medication to help identify your specific environmental triggers.
  • DailyBreath: Specifically designed for asthma and COPD patients, it provides a personalized daily risk index based on environmental exposure and allows you to pinpoint locations where symptoms flare up.
  • DEFRA UK-AIR: For those in the UK, this is the official source for the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI), which includes specific health advice for individuals with asthma on how to adjust activity levels based on current pollution bands. 

Key Safety Levels for Asthma:

  • AQI 51–100 (Moderate): Symptoms can begin for some sensitive individuals.
  • AQI 101+ (Unhealthy): Often considered dangerous for those with asthma; it is typically recommended to limit outdoor activity.