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Infections can cause irritation of the airways, nose, throat, lungs, and sinuses, and may precede an asthma attack.
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Strong odors and sprays, such as perfumes, household cleaners, cooking fumes, paints, and varnishes
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Chemicals such as coal, chalk dust, or talcum powder
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Air pollutants, such as tobacco smoke, wood smoke, chemicals in the air and ozone
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Changing weather conditions, including changes in temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, and strong winds
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Chemical exposure on the job, such as occupational vapors, dust, gases, or fumes.
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Medications, such as aspirin and additives, such as sulfites, cause up to 20 percent of adult asthmatic attacks as a result of sensitivities or allergies to them. These medications often include:
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Aspirin
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Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, naproxen
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Sulfites used as preservatives in food and beverage
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Beta blockers used for heart disease, high blood pressure, migraines, and glaucoma.
Before taking any medication, including over-the-counter medications, talk with your health care provider.
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Strenuous physical exercise can trigger an asthma attack, often because of the inhaled cool and dry air. Long-term strenuous activities, such as long distance running, are most likely to induce asthma, and swimming is the least likely.
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GERD, or indigestion, a condition characterized by persistent reflux of stomach acids, is common in individuals with asthma. Symptoms may include heartburn, belching, or spitting up in infants.
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Tobacco smoke, whether directly or passively inhaled, has been shown to have harmful effects on the airways.
Wood smoke from wood-burning heating stoves and fireplaces can release irritating chemicals, such as sulfur dioxide.
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Reactions from stress and anxiety are considered to be more of an effect than a cause. They can cause fatigue, which may affect the immune system and, in turn, increase either asthma symptoms or bring on an attack.
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