World asthma day 2024: Uncommon triggers for better understanding and management

Asthma sufferers may react allergically to certain oils, even if they have nothing to do with food. (Image: Canva)

Some lesser-known triggers can also make asthma symptoms worse, despite the fact that lesser-known triggers like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are frequent. To better manage their asthma and enhance their quality of life, people with asthma and those who care for them must be aware of these unusual triggers which are as follows -:

Allergic reactions to specific oils:

Asthma sufferers may react allergically to certain oils, even if they have nothing to do with food. These oils can aggravate asthma symptoms when inhaled, either through aromatherapy or contact with airborne particles. Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus are frequently the culprits, says Dr Neeraj Gupta, associate director- pulmonology, respiratory critical care & sleep medicine, Max hospital, Gurugram. Patients with asthma must be very careful when using or around oils, and they must know which ones make them worse and stay away from them.

Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal reflux disease - GERD):

The symptoms of asthma may also worsen if you have acid reflux, a condition in which stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus, says Gupta. Acid irritates the respiratory tract, causing bronchoconstriction and inflammation that can contribute to asthma episodes. To effectively manage both illnesses, people with asthma should be aware of their symptoms of acid reflux and seek therapy. A healthy weight and avoiding trigger foods are two lifestyle changes that can help manage asthma and lessen acid reflux symptoms.

Nasal polyps and rhinitis:

Nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and postnasal drip are all signs of rhinitis that can be brought on by nasal polyps, which are noncancerous growths in the nasal passages, says Gupta. These nasal problems can potentially worsen asthma attacks by clogging and inflaming the upper respiratory tract. To effectively manage their asthma and enhance breathing, people with asthma must treat any underlying nasal disorders, such as nasal polyps or chronic rhinitis.

Allergies to specific food poteins:

Gupta says that although food allergies are frequently linked to ailments like dermatitis and anaphylaxis, they can also make some people's asthma symptoms worse. Foods high in proteins, such as milk and eggs, might cause allergic reactions that exacerbate asthma attacks. It's interesting to note that the way food is prepared might influence whether proteins are allergic. When eggs or milk are cooked, the allergenic proteins are broken down or denatured, which reduces the likelihood that eating these items would aggravate asthma symptoms when compared to eating them raw or with little to no processing.

Weather changes:

For some people, abrupt changes in temperature or other weather-related factors, such as cold air, humidity, or variations in temperature, can worsen the symptoms of asthma. Dust mites and mold, two typical allergens for asthmatics, can flourish in high humidity environments, which can restrict airways and produce bronchospasms, says Gupta. People who have asthma must pay close attention to weather forecasts and take the necessary safety measures, such as using masks or scarves during cold weather or utilising dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity levels indoors.

For efficient asthma management and the avoidance of asthma episodes, it is essential to comprehend and recognise unusual asthma triggers. People with asthma can reduce symptoms and enhance their general quality of life by identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain oils, acid reflux, nasal polyps, and food allergies.