Asthma Trigger Hotspots: What & Where Triggers Asthma The Most?

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common asthma triggers and where they’re most likely to be found. We’ll explore how widespread asthma is in the UK and highlight the everyday environments that can make symptoms worse. We’ll also take a closer look at which UK cities have the highest and lowest hospital admissions and deaths linked to lung conditions. Finally, we’ll explore the top 30 GP surgeries in the UK with the highest recorded rates of asthma, giving a clearer picture of where the condition is most common.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about asthma and its triggers:

• Asthma affects 5.4 million people across the UK, including 1.1 million children. However, hospital admissions and deaths linked to asthma and other lung conditions are not evenly distributed.

• Many of the most common asthma triggers (dust mites, pet hair, mould, etc) are found in everyday environments, especially in the home.

• Deprived communities and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by asthma and lung conditions.

• The worst areas for lung-related hospital admissions and deaths are also known for higher levels of poverty, smoking rates and air pollution.

• Some areas with high asthma prevalence are not among the worst for hospitalisations or deaths. This suggests that with better healthcare access, education and management, asthma can be effectively controlled.

How prevalent is asthma in the UK?

2023 study by Asthma + Lung UK

Asthma remains a significant health concern across the UK, affecting around 5.4 million people, including 1.1 million children, according to Asthma + Lung UK [1]. It’s one of the most common long-term conditions in the country and can have a profound impact on daily life, particularly when symptoms are not well managed or triggers go unrecognised.

What are the most common asthma triggers in the UK?

In the UK, asthma can be triggered by a number of everyday factors. These triggers vary from person to person, but specific causes are especially common.

One of the most frequent triggers is allergy-related, particularly to house dust mites. These microscopic insects are found in household items such as bedding, carpets and soft furnishings and are a known cause of allergic asthma. Other allergens like pet hair, pollen (especially during spring and summer) and mould can also worsen symptoms in many people with asthma [2].

Other common triggers include [3]:

• Cold air is another major trigger, especially during the winter months. It can irritate the airways and lead to coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. 

• Viral infections like colds and flu often lead to asthma flare-ups, especially in children.

• Air pollution is also a growing concern. Cigarette smoke, vehicle emissions and fumes from household cleaning products or sprays can all irritate the lungs and provoke asthma symptoms.

• Exercise, particularly in cold or dry conditions, can also trigger symptoms in some people. This is known as exercise-induced asthma and is more common in people whose asthma isn’t well controlled.

• Stress and strong emotions such as anxiety or laughter can affect breathing and contribute to asthma attacks in some individuals.

Identifying and managing these common triggers is key to keeping asthma symptoms under control and reducing the risk of emergency flare-ups.

What are the most common asthma triggers in your home?

Many asthma triggers are found inside the home, often in places you might not expect. These triggers can cause asthma symptoms to worsen or lead to flare-ups, especially if someone is already sensitive to them.

House dust mites are one of the most common indoor asthma triggers. These tiny insects live in soft furnishings such as bedding, carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture. Their droppings can cause allergic reactions that make asthma symptoms worse [4].

Pet hair is also a major asthma trigger in the home. Even if a pet isn’t around, hair and dander can linger in your home long after an animal has been there [5].

These two triggers are major issues in the home for asthma sufferers; however, there are many more which can cause problems. Below, you can find information about different areas of the house and the potential triggers you may find there.

Living Room

The living room is often full of soft furnishings, which can house dust mites. Pet hair and general dander can also build up on sofas, carpets and curtains, especially in homes with cats or dogs. Open fires or wood-burning stoves, if regularly used, can release fine particles and smoke into the air, which may irritate the lungs. Additionally, air fresheners, scented candles or cleaning sprays may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can also trigger symptoms.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, cooking fumes, especially from gas hobs, can irritate the airways and lead to flare-ups. Steam and humidity can also encourage mould growth, especially if the kitchen isn’t well ventilated. Cleaning products, such as sprays and disinfectants, often also contain strong chemicals that release VOCs.

Bedroom

The bedroom is a common place for asthma triggers. Dust mites thrive in bedding, pillows, mattresses and carpets. Washing bedding regularly at high temperatures and using allergen-proof covers can help prevent them. If pets sleep in the bedroom, pet hair and dander can build up on soft furnishings and bedding. Mould may also grow in hidden areas such as around windows, behind furniture or on walls if the room is damp. Perfumes, fabric sprays and even some laundry detergents used on bedding or clothes can act as irritants.

What are the most common asthma triggers away from home?

Aeroplanes

Air travel can expose people to a number of asthma triggers. Dry cabin air can irritate the airways, making breathing more difficult. Strong fragrances such as perfumes or cleaning products used on board may also cause irritation. In some cases, airborne viruses can spread easily in enclosed spaces, increasing the risk of respiratory infections that can trigger asthma symptoms. Stress or anxiety about flying can also contribute to shortness of breath or wheezing in some people.

Schools

Schools can be a challenging environment for children with asthma. Dust mites and mould in poorly ventilated classrooms can all be potential triggers. Children may also be exposed to pollen during outdoor activities or cold air in the playground. Viral infections, which spread easily in schools, are a common cause of asthma flare-ups in children. In some cases, children may come into contact with animals during lessons or visits, which could also trigger symptoms if they are allergic to pet hair and dander.

Outdoor play areas

Outdoor areas may seem safer, but there are still several common triggers to be aware of. Pollen, particularly from grass, trees or weeds, can be a major issue during certain times of year. Air pollution from traffic, especially in urban areas or near busy roads, can worsen asthma symptoms. Cold weather, especially when exercising or playing outdoors, may also make breathing more difficult. Mould spores, which can be found in damp leaves or on wooden equipment, are another possible trigger.

Offices

In office environments, indoor air quality plays a key role in asthma control. Dust, mould from poorly maintained air conditioning units and cleaning products containing VOCs can all irritate the lungs. Open-plan offices can make it easier for viruses to spread, increasing the risk of colds and flu. Additionally, stress related to work or long hours in front of a computer can sometimes affect breathing and overall asthma control.

Which UK cities have the lowest hospital admissions and deaths related to lung conditions?

Interestingly, the number of hospital admissions and deaths related to lung conditions (such as asthma and COPD) in different cities and areas in the UK differs greatly. Below is a table outlining the areas in the UK with the lowest number of both hospital admissions and deaths:

Which UK cities have the highest hospital admissions and deaths related to lung conditions?

Similarly, some areas in the UK have higher levels of hospitalisations and deaths due to lung conditions. Below is a table outlining the areas in the UK with the worst rates (1 being the worst):

Based on both of the tables above, here are some conclusions which could be drawn based on the data:

There is a North-South divide when it comes to lung health

Many of the areas with the highest rates of hospital admissions and deaths related to lung conditions are located in the Northwest of England and Scotland, such as Knowsley, Salford, and Inverclyde. In contrast, the lowest rates are seen in areas across London and the Southeast.

London has very positive data

Six out of the ten areas with the lowest rates of hospital admissions and deaths are London boroughs, including Barnet, Kensington and Chelsea and Camden, suggesting that people living in parts of London may have better access to healthcare, cleaner air, or less deprivation than those in worse-affected regions.

Areas with poor lung health often have higher deprivation levels

Several of the places with the worst outcomes, such as Blackpool, Liverpool and Manchester, are also known to experience higher levels of deprivation. This can be linked to factors such as poor housing, higher smoking rates and greater exposure to pollution, all of which can worsen asthma and other lung conditions.

Lung health inequality is a UK-wide issue

Poor outcomes aren’t limited to one country of the UK. Scotland, Northern Ireland and England are all represented in the list of areas with the highest hospital admissions and deaths. This highlights a nationwide disparity that should be addressed.

Urban areas might help protect the lungs

While some might assume urban areas have poorer air quality, many urban boroughs like Westminster, Hounslow and York show lower hospitalisation and death rates. This is likely due to better healthcare infrastructure, more health awareness and possibly investment in air quality and public health services.

Top 30 GP surgeries with the highest asthma prevalence:

Aside from areas with high levels of hospitalisations and deaths due to lung conditions, data also highlights specific doctors' surgeries that have the highest prevalence of asthma sufferers. Below is a table outlining these surgeries:

So, using the data on hospitalisations and deaths associated with lung conditions, as well as the list of GPs with the highest percentage of asthma patients, what conclusions can be drawn?

High asthma prevalence often overlaps with areas of poor lung health

Some GP surgeries on the list, such as those in Blackburn, St Helens and Bradford, are located in or near regions identified as having high rates of emergency admissions and deaths from lung conditions.

Asthma is highly prevalent in typically deprived areas

Several surgeries are located in (stereotypically) disadvantaged communities, such as Middlesbrough, Sheffield, South Shields, and St Helens. These areas may have higher exposure to environmental asthma triggers and may face barriers to accessing care.

GPs in vulnerable or high-risk populations report higher asthma rates

The top-ranked surgery, St Werburgh’s Medical Practice for the Homeless in Chester, suggests that social vulnerability and unstable living conditions may contribute to both the development and poor control of asthma. People without stable housing are more likely to live in damp environments, have limited access to medication and experience higher exposure to triggers.

Asthma remains a widespread issue across diverse regions

The surgeries listed are spread across England, from Brighton and Exeter in the South to Scarborough, Norfolk and Stoke-on-Trent in the Midlands and North. This shows that while certain regions may have higher rates of hospital admissions, asthma itself is a widespread condition, affecting patients in both urban and rural settings.

Some areas with high asthma prevalence do not have correspondingly high death or admission rates

For example, surgeries in Brighton, Exeter and Devon appear in the top 30 for asthma prevalence but are not listed among the worst areas for hospital admissions or deaths. This may indicate better asthma management and access to care in these regions, showing that prevalence does not necessarily lead to poor outcomes if the condition is well-controlled.

At UK Meds, we provide access to asthma treatments like Ventolin and Salamol, which can be delivered to you nationwide. Our service aims to provide vital treatment options to everyone, not just those who have access to quality healthcare. 

UK Map of Emergency Respiratory Admissions Rate

The map below shows the rate of emergency admissions for respiratory conditions across the UK. The areas marked in red have the highest rates of emergency admissions, progressing to green.

Final Thoughts

Asthma remains a significant health issue across the UK, with millions affected and a wide range of triggers both at home and in public spaces. While allergens like dust mites and pet hair are common in households, other factors such as air pollution, cold weather and stress also play a major role in triggering symptoms. Data shows that asthma prevalence varies greatly depending on location, with poorer lung health often linked to higher deprivation. However, even in areas with high asthma rates, good management and access to treatment can help reduce serious outcomes. At UK Meds, we’re committed to supporting people with asthma by offering fast, reliable access to essential treatments, wherever you live.