Which of the following is a common irritant that can trigger asthma symptoms?

Tobacco or wood smoke is a well-known common irritant that can trigger asthma symptoms. When inhaled, smoke contains numerous irritants and allergens that can inflame and constrict the airways in individuals with asthma. This constriction leads to difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and an increase in other asthma symptoms.

The presence of these irritants can exacerbate asthma and lead to hospital visits or increased medication use. Moreover, smoke can also impair lung function over time, making it even more crucial for individuals with asthma to avoid exposure.

While dust mites, animal dander, and cockroach allergens can also trigger asthma symptoms, they are typically classified more as allergens rather than irritants. They can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, despite being common triggers for asthma, but their mechanism of action differs from that of tobacco or wood smoke, which is characterized by the direct inflammatory effect of inhaled particulates.