Substances that you may inhale can cause allergy symptoms or can also trigger an asthma episode. Dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander and even cockroach droppings may cause you to have asthma symptoms. It is best to avoid or limit your exposure to known allergens in order to prevent asthma symptoms.

Irritants in the air including smoke from cigarettes, wood fires, or charcoal grills can cause asthma symptoms to appear. Also, strong fumes or odors like household sprays, paint, gasoline, perfumes, and scented soaps can be an irritant and can aggravate inflamed, sensitive airways.

Respiratory infections such as colds, flu, sore throats, and sinus infections may cause asthma symptoms.

Exercise, especially in cold air, can be a frequent asthma trigger. A form of asthma called exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity. Symptoms of this kind of asthma may not appear until after several minutes of sustained exercise. When symptoms appear sooner than this, it usually means that the person needs to adjust his or her treatment.

Other types of exertions can bring on asthma symptoms including laughing, crying, holding one’s breath, and hyperventilating (rapid, shallow breathing). When you experience strong emotions, your breathing changes — even if you don’t have asthma. When a person with asthma laughs, yells, or cries hard, natural airway changes may cause wheezing or other asthma symptoms.

Weather such as dry wind, cold air, or sudden changes in weather can sometimes bring on an asthma episode.

Some medications like aspirin can also be related to episodes in adults who are sensitive to aspirin.