It isn’t clear why some people get asthma while others do not. However, new evidence on what causes the disease and how it can be prevented is emerging.
Researchers have learned that many factors in a person’s environment, in combination with their genes (hereditary) can cause asthma. For example, exposure to tobacco smoke, traffic pollution, and some substances that people are exposed to at work, such as formaldehyde, epoxy, isocyanates, diesel exhaust and other chemicals, can cause the disease. For people with asthma, exposure to these same materials can make their asthma worse.
Getting rid of or reducing exposures to these risk factors is possible. Doing so can help prevent asthma from developing or worsening. Prevention starts in the places we live, work, learn and play. Building asthma-friendly communities can involve:
- Monitoring and improving air quality
- Investing in green and healthy outdoor spaces
- Supporting schools in implementing asthma friendly school policies and practices like green cleaning, integrated pest management and reducing school bus idling
- Educating and supporting property owners and managers around safe and healthy housing
- Ensuring access to culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare
- Ensuring CHW-led asthma home visiting and property owner education are widely available
- Educating employers, property managers, school personnel and other decision makers around implementation of considerate practices such as reducing smoking-free policies, and green cleaning practices and integrated pest management (IPM)
For more information about primary prevention of asthma, visit the Strategic Plan for Asthma in Massachusetts 2022-2026 or the following resources:
Triggers
Asthma triggers are common things in the environment that can cause asthma symptoms or make them worse. Symptoms can be mild for some people, and dangerous for others. A typical asthma symptom is difficulty with breathing which is caused by tightening of the airways. Common asthma triggers include:
Environmental Triggers
- Mold
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Air pollution
- Tobacco smoke
- Fragrances and strong smells from chemicals (such as cleaning products)
- Changes in climate, especially cold, dry air
- Pets, including cats and dogs
- Pests, including rodents and cockroaches
- Respiratory illness (COVID-19, influenza, and RSV)
- Workplace exposures (cleaning chemicals)
Other Triggers
- Exercise or physical activity
- Strong emotions (anger, anxiety, crying or laughing hard)
Exposure to these triggers and the ability to reduce exposure is not equal for all people in Massachusetts. Many policies and practices of government agencies, health care systems, and other institutions in the past and present have made it harder for people of color, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lower incomes to access resources and opportunities (this is also called systems of oppression; or for oppression specific to race, structural racism.) For additional information on structural racism, visit Background on health and racial equity.
For example, structural racism in housing practices in Massachusetts, like segregation and racial redlining, has made it more likely for communities of color and low-income populations to rent their home and live in multi-unit housing—where exposure to harmful elements like mold, pests, lack of ventilation, and poor air quality may be more likely.
If you’re having trouble accessing care, reducing exposure to asthma triggers, or controlling your asthma, Community Health Equity Initiative Resource List may have some helpful resources.
Well-managed asthma, including a safe and healthy environment, helps to prevent asthma symptoms.
Controlling your asthma and reducing your risk for asthma attacks
Asthma requires attention, even when you feel well. If not treated properly, asthma can limit daily activities, lead to hospitalizations, or even cause death. Talk with your healthcare provider to develop an asthma action plan and to learn how to care for your asthma.
There are many types of asthma medications that healthcare providers can prescribe. These prescriptions are often based on severity of asthma symptoms and asthma control status. Some people with asthma are prescribed controller medications that are taken daily to control their asthma and prevent asthma episodes. Others are prescribed a quick-acting (rescue) inhaler to be carried with them in case of an asthma attack. More recently, a new class of medications, Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART Therapy), has been developed. SMART Therapy is for patients with moderate to severe asthma who need a combination treatment of both controller and reliever medications in one inhaler. SMART Therapy can be used when symptoms are present. It can also be prescribed to be taken daily. Learn more with this Respiratory Treatments Poster—offered in English and Spanish.
Similarly with reducing exposure to asthma triggers, having well-controlled asthma can be more challenging for some people than it is for others. Structural racism, and other systems of oppression, have created barriers to accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate, quality health care, particularly for people of color, low-income people, and people who speak little to no English.
If you’re having trouble accessing care, reducing exposure to asthma triggers, or controlling your asthma, Community Health Equity Initiative Resource List may have some helpful resources.