The 6 Surprising Asthma Triggers You’ve Never Heard Of – From Crying to Work

IF YOU suffer from asthma, you probably know that the triggers that trigger your symptoms are not always easy to predict.

They can change over time, or even according to the time of year – while cold air can leave you wheezing during winter, pollen can have a similar effect as the weather warms.

In addition to pollen, you’ve probably heard of other common triggers, like dust mites, pet dander, pollution, and cigarette smoke.

But you may not know that foods like sausages, hormonal changes, emotions like stress or anger, and even the environment in which you work can trigger a potentially fatal asthma attack.

To mark World Asthma Day, GP Dr Andrew Whittamore – Asthma + Lung UKClinical Leadership from – describes surprising asthma triggers you’ve never heard of.

1. Sausages, pickles, jams and wine

If you have asthma, you may be sensitive to sulfites and histamines, which can be present in certain foods and alcohol.

Ingesting them can trigger symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

For 11 percent of women and 6 percent of men surveyed by Asthma + Lung Survey of living with a lung condition in 2024 in the UKfood was the trigger for asthma.

Therefore, although it is not common, it can pose a risk.

Sulfites are used in some processed meats, such as sausages and burgers, pickled and vinegared foods, dried fruit, and vegetable and fruit jellies, says Dr. Whittamore.

Soft drinks, concentrated fruit juices like pumpkin, liqueurs and vegetable juices can also contain sulfites.

To check whether your food or drink contains sulfites, look for the E numbers E221 to E228 on the labels, the GP advised.

Histamine is a chemical released in the body when you have an allergic reaction, and is actually found in many alcoholic beverages as a product of the fermentation process.

Wine is one of these drinks and is the most common trigger for those with asthma, followed by beer and cider.

This is because all three may contain higher levels of sulfites and histamines.

The best way to know if you are affected by any of these substances is to notice any symptoms after consuming certain foods or drinks, advises Dr. Whittamore.

If you experience wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness, it is best to avoid them.

2. Swimming

As the weather warms up, many of us look forward to dips in the pool.

But for a small number of people who suffer from asthma, this basic summer activity can prove risky.

Swimming pools contain chemicals like chlorine to remove bacteria and other germs and keep the water clean.

But chlorine — as well as disinfectants like bleach — can also trigger an asthma attack.

Using swimming pools, hot tubs, and water parks can cause asthma symptoms if you are sensitive to these chemicals, but you may also be affected if you work in these environments.

The charity found that cleaning products triggered asthma symptoms in 76% of women and 26% of men, which would include the chemicals contained in swimming pools.

So if you notice tightness in your chest while sunbathing by the pool on vacation, it could mean you’re sensitive to these chemicals.

But Dr. Whittamore notes that “swimming in general is a great form of cardiovascular exercise for those with asthma, as it helps keep the lungs in good condition.”

“So if your asthma is well controlled and you are not triggered by chemicals used in swimming pools, this should not be a problem.”

3. Your work environment

We spend a lot of time at work, so being in an environment that triggers asthma symptoms can be problematic.

Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by inhaling substances at work, such as dust, smoke, chemicals or even animal dander, Dr. Whittamore explained.

You may not experience work-induced asthma symptoms right away because it takes time for your immune system to become sensitive to these triggers.

But once you become sensitive to a substance at work, you may experience asthma symptoms at work. next the moment you contact him.

If you notice that you have developed new asthma symptoms at work, such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, or if your childhood asthma returns, make an appointment with your GP, who can help identify whether it is occupational asthma.

You may be asked whether your asthma symptoms started as an adult, whether your childhood asthma symptoms have returned since you started working and whether your symptoms improve when you are on holiday.

You may also be sent for testing.

The good News is that if you contract the disease soon, occupational asthma symptoms can sometimes disappear completely, as long as you stop being exposed to the trigger and receive the correct treatment.

4. Fear, anger and excitement

Have you ever been overcome by a strong emotion, only to be struck by an asthma attack?

Strong emotions like fear, anger, stress, excitement, and even laughing or crying can cause asthma symptoms, explains Dr. Whittamore.

This is because your body’s response to different emotions changes the way you breathe.

For example, you may begin to hyperventilate when you are upset, breathing quickly and deeply, which can lead to asthma symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or chest tightness.

The Asthma + Lung UK survey found that emotions can have a bigger effect on asthma than we think, as 40 percent of women said emotions triggered their asthma, compared to 25 percent of men.

If you suspect that emotions may be one of your asthma triggers, it’s a good idea to monitor your symptoms by writing them down in a notebook or phone as they occur.

Use a written asthma action plan so you know exactly what to do if symptoms arise.

Make sure you always carry your reliever inhaler with you and take your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed, even if you feel well.

It can also be helpful to talk to someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed or depressed.

5. Hormonal changes

As if you can’t handle enough when you’re menstruating, pregnant or going through menopause, the hormonal changes they cause can trigger asthma, although it’s not yet clear why.

One theory is that they may increase inflammation in the airways, according to Dr. Whittamore.

“We found that one in three women with asthma reports worse asthma symptoms before or during their period,” he says.

Although some women’s symptoms worsen during pregnancy, others notice that their symptoms improve and some do not notice any changes.

During perimenopause – the period before menopause – some women with asthma notice that their symptoms worsen.

Some may even develop asthma for the first time after menopause, which can be more difficult to control.

To help your GP or nurse identify whether your hormones are affecting your asthma, keep a diary of your symptoms to see if your symptoms worsen at any specific time in your cycle.

The risk of getting asthma for the first time around the menopause can also increase if you are overweight, so it may be worth contacting your local NHS about the options available to help you lose weight.

6. Scented candles and incense

Lighting a scented candle may seem calming, but when they burn, they emit particles and other pollutants that, when inhaled, can irritate the airways.

Lighting just one candle in a room can substantially increase the concentration of particles in the air.

Incense sticks can be even worse for asthma, as they emit more than 100 times more fine particles than candles.

There is even evidence that burning incense is associated with lung disease, so using it regularly should be avoided.

Scented candles also contain a chemical called formaldehyde, but if you only use them occasionally, they are unlikely to pose a major health risk.

Just make sure you don’t burn multiple candles or incense sticks in a small room at the same time.