Asthma Triggers

By betty70boops

1 min read

I have adult-onset asthma. My triggers are cool/cold air (when the weather changes or even air conditioning is on such as going into a building that is 68 degrees and it's 80 outside), bad air days on the summer, exercise, and ace inhibitors for hypertension. I exercised outside in the hottest day of the summer and it didn't bother me too much, but there were certain days I would need to use my rescue inhaler. I am allergic to Aspergillus mold and I can sometimes expect a little flare up when it rains and the mold grows.

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Melissa.Arnold Community Admin
Hi, betty70boops! Thanks for sharing your experience with triggers. It has to be really frustrating having asthma attacks when you encounter air conditioning. How are you managing your asthma? -Melissa, <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a> team
1. betty70boops Member
 Hi Melissa! I have interesting news since my last post. It turns out that a drug I was taking for hypertension is causing the cough. It was an ACE inhibitor and an asthma flare up can be one of the side effects. My PCP prescribed another type of drug for me and the cough is getting better. This type of cough is relentless and nothing in the world helps stop it except a cough syrup with hydrocodone. I had some left over from when I had bronchitis and it worked and I got a good nights sleep, but oh the next morning I was so hung over. So I tried a half dose and it did nothing to help the cough. So I am living with my inhaler close by my side, a bag of cough drops and a bottle of water. I can also tell that the asthma is getting better because the cough is getting better. This has been going on for 7 weeks and I am worn out. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel so I am optimistic that my asthma will be well controlled very soon. I see the asthma doctor next week so we will make a plan!
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator & Contributor
 Hi betty70boops, and thanks for providing us with this update to your condition. I remember, a long time ago as a student, we were trained that one of the side effects of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors was coughing and the impact this might have on someone who also had asthma. We were always advised, when taking one's history, to keep that in mind for folks who had asthma and were also taking ACE inhibitors for hypertension. You must be so relieved to have had your primary care physician assess this properly and prescribe another medication for the hypertension. It's easy to hear your excitement and optimism at the prospect of having your asthma under control in the very near future. We're all pulling for you on this. We value you sharing this information here with the community. Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://asthma.net' target='_blank'>asthma.net</a>)