1 in 12 people in America have asthma. Know the facts about what triggers an asthma attack and how to treat it. 5 Things You Should Know About Asthma As of 2012, more than 18 million adults and 6 million children suffered from asthma. The most common triggers to asthma attacks are tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, and smoke from burning wood or grass. Asthma medicines come in two types—quick-relief and long-term control. Quick-r