# Are there tests to identify environmental asthma triggers? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/tests-to-identify-environmental-asthma-triggers Language: en Category: respiratory Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.639Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.639Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/tests-to-identify-environmental-asthma-triggers Yes, there are tests that can help identify environmental asthma triggers, which are a critical part of diagnosing asthma and managing the condition. These tests aim to understand how the airways respond to specific substances or environmental conditions, helping to develop an effective treatment plan that includes avoiding these triggers [\[1\]](). Asthma triggers can vary from person to person and may change over time. Common triggers include allergens such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen, as well as non-allergic irritants like cold air, certain medications, household chemicals, air pollution, and tobacco smoke [\[1\]](). ## Lung Function Tests Lung function tests are essential tools in diagnosing asthma and evaluating how the lungs respond to triggers. These tests include: - **Spirometry:** This test measures how efficiently the lungs can exhale air. It is performed before and after exposure to certain substances or medications that may cause airway narrowing to determine how reactive they are [\[1\]](). - **Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Test:** This test measures the speed at which air can be exhaled from the lungs with maximum effort [\[1\]](). - **Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) Test:** This measures the levels of nitric oxide in your breath when exhaling. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation in the lungs [\[1\]](). This test can also help in managing asthma or confirming a diagnosis [\[2\]](). ## Allergy Tests If there is a history of allergies, the doctor may recommend allergy tests to identify the allergens that trigger an immune system response [\[1\]](). Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma, where attacks occur when inhaling allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, and mold [\[3\]](). These tests include: - **Skin Prick Tests:** Small amounts of suspected allergens are placed on the skin, and then the skin is gently pricked. If an allergic reaction appears (such as redness or swelling), it indicates an allergy to that substance [\[4\]](). - **Blood Allergy Tests:** These tests measure the levels of specific antibodies (IgE) in the blood that the immune system produces in response to allergens [\[1\]](). ## Importance of Identifying Triggers Identifying asthma triggers helps in developing a comprehensive treatment plan that includes strategies to avoid these triggers. For example, if tobacco smoke is a trigger, smoking or allowing others to smoke in the home or car should be avoided [\[1\]](). This can also include reducing allergen levels at home by cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture weekly, washing sheets and blankets in hot water, and using special allergen-resistant covers for mattresses and pillows [\[2\]](). For additional information on how to control environmental asthma triggers, you can visit [Asthma and Environmental Trigger Control (Arabic)](). ## When to Seek Emergency Help If you are experiencing a severe asthma attack and fast-acting medications are not working, you must seek emergency care immediately [\[1\]](). Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and may require emergency room visits or hospitalization [\[2\]](). ## Medical references - [Asthma]() - [Asthma]() - [Allergic asthma: MedlinePlus Genetics]() - [Allergy Skin Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/tests-to-identify-environmental-asthma-triggers#answer