Which of the following is a known trigger for asthma?

• A. Exercise
• B. Cold weather
• C. Getting enough sleep
• D. Stress management

Answer: (A)

Exercise is a known trigger for asthma because it can cause exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. When you breathe hard during activity, you take in large amounts of air that is often cooler and drier. This irritates the lining of the airways and makes the airway muscles tighten, leading to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath during or after exercise. This connection between physical activity and airway narrowing is well documented, so it’s the best-supported choice for a trigger listed here. Getting enough sleep helps overall asthma control and lack of sleep can worsen symptoms, but it isn’t a direct trigger. Cold weather can aggravate symptoms for some people, and emotional or mental stress can influence how symptoms feel, but neither is as universally recognized as exercise for triggering asthma in many individuals.