What about smoking? Whether it's you or someone else who is smoking, cigarette smoke (really any type of smoke) is an irritant. Cigarette smoke worsens your asthma and puts you at risk of a severe asthma attack. Click here for more information.

Irritants are things in the environment that may irritate your lungs. Some of the most common lung irritants are:

• Cigarette smoke

• Air pollution, including ozone

• Cold air or changes in weather like freezing temperatures,

high humidity, and thunderstorms

• Strong odors or sprays, such as perfumes, household cleaners,

cooking fumes—especially from frying—paints, or varnishes