Asthma triggers Common triggers of an asthma exacerbation include Environmental and occupational allergens (numerous) Cold, dry air Infections Exercise Inhaled irritants Emotion Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Infectious triggers in young children include respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza virus infection.