What is
Asthma?
In many people, asthma appears to be an allergic  reaction
to substances commonly breathed in through the air, such as animal
dander, pollen, or dust mite and cockroach waste products. The catch-all
name for these substances, allergens, refers to anything that provokes
an allergic reaction. Some people have a genetic predisposition
to react to certain allergens.
When these people breathe in the allergen, the immune
system goes into high gear as if fighting off a harmful parasite.
The system produces a molecule called immunoglobulin E (IgE), one
of a class of defensive molecules termed antibodies. The IgE antibody
is central to the allergic reaction. For example, it causes mast
cells, a type of specialized defensive cell, to release chemical
"weapons" into the airways. The airways then become inflamed
and constricted, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
-- an asthma attack.
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Asthma
Triggers
Asthma episodes can be initiated by exposure to indoor triggers.
Therefore, an important step in managing asthma is to reduce exposures
to your asthma triggers. You may not be affected by all of the
triggers listed here. Your doctor may be able to help you determine
which triggers affect your asthma.
Click on any of the topics below to find out more about the major
indoor triggers.
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