Common Airway Irritants

What kinds of things can make your lungs feel worse?  Generally speaking , if you can smell it, stay away from it.

CHEMICAL

  • Cigar/cigarette smoke

  • Air pollution

  • Car/truck exhaust

  • Paint/paint thinners/resins

  • Hairspray/perfume/cologne

  • Cleaning fluid/ammonias/chlorides

  • Excessive dirt/dust

  • Room deodorizers

  • Sprays/aerosols

  • Fabric softeners

PHYSICAL

  • Infections  - Colds; Other Viruses; Bacterial Infections

  • Overexertion - Too much; Too fast; Too long

  • Weather - Too hot/cold; Too humid/dry; Too heavy

  • Chronic pain

  • Chronic cough

EMOTIONAL

  • Panic/Fear

  • Anger/Frustration

  • Stress/Anxiety

  • Excitement

  • Laughing too hard

  • Crying

  • Depression

ALLERGENS (MOST COMMON)

  • House dust/molds

  • Pollen

  • Some foods and preservatives

  • Animal dander

Page Last Updated: 26/01/2021