When you have asthma, your airways react to things in the world around you. Doctors call these asthma triggers. They might cause symptoms or make them worse. Common asthma triggers include:

Infections like sinusitis, colds, and the flu

Allergens such as pollens, mold, pet dander, and dust mites

Irritants like strong odors from perfumes or cleaning solutions

Air pollution

Tobacco smoke

Exercise

Cold air or changes in the weather, such as temperature or humidity

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Strong emotions such as anxiety, laughter, sadness, or stress

Medications such as aspirin

Food preservatives called sulfites, found in things like shrimp, pickles, beer and wine, dried fruits, and bottled lemon and lime juices.

Things that might make you more likely to have asthma include:

Things in the world around you before you’re born or while you’re growing up

Whether your parents have asthma, especially your mother

Your genes

Your race. Asthma is more common in people of African American or Puerto Rican descent.

Your sex. Boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. In teens and adults, it’s more common in females.

Your job

Other conditions like lung infections, allergies, or obesity