Asthma Causes:
At this point in time, medical researchers and scientists are not entirely sure which factors constitute as asthma causes. The chances are, it is likely to be a combination of various different factors, some of which are genetic, whereas others are environmental. The environment is considered to have a large impact on asthma sufferers today, including air pollution, modern hygiene standards, and even the chlorine that is regularly used in swimming pools. Although it is theorized, there is still not enough evidence to confirm that all of these factors are definitely asthma causes. However, studies have found that environmental irritants like dust and smoke can make symptoms worse.
Who Is at Risk?
Although asthma causes are still largely unknown, there are a number of things that can increase a person's chances of developing and suffering from the condition. Some of these factors include:
- A genetic or family history of asthma, or other similar allergic conditions, such as food allergies, hay fever, and eczema.
- Suffering from another form of atopic condition, like those mentioned above.
- Suffering from bronchiolitis. This is a common infection of the lungs that is usually experienced during childhood.
- Regular exposure to tobacco smoke during your childhood. This is particularly relevant if your mother also smoked throughout her pregnancy.
- Premature birth, especially if you needed extra help to keep you breathing, such as a ventilator.
- Having a very small weight at birth as a result of restricted growth in the womb.
Some people also find that they are at higher risk of suffering from asthma because of the type of job they do, for example, people who work regularly with dust and other irritants.
Triggers of Asthma:
In people who suffer from asthma, the bronchi, or small tubes which carry air throughout the lungs, can become sensitive and overly inflamed. This means that when you come across something which irritates your lung passageways in some way, they become increasingly narrow. What's more, the muscles around the bronchi can begin to tighten, and the lungs begin to produce an excess of sticky mucus known as phlegm. The symptoms of asthma can be provoked by a range of different triggers, including:
- Infections of the respiratory tract, particularly those that affect the upper airways, such as flu, or colds.
- Allergens such as dust mites, features, fur, or pollen.
- Airborne irritants such as chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and pollution.
- Certain medicines, specifically non-steroid anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and certain beta blockers.
- Laughter or stress
- Foods that contain sulphites, such as jam, prawns, fruit juice and other processed foods.
- Mold, damp, dust mites, or the use of chemicals in the flooring of your home.
- A sudden change in temperature.
Once you have discovered which factors are more likely to trigger your asthma attack, it is possible for you to take steps in avoiding these factors as a way to minimize the occurrence of asthma attacks in the future. Make a note of whenever your symptoms seem to get worse, and use this to educate yourself as to your condition.