Asthma is caused by a combination of complex and incompletely understood environmental and genetic interactions. These influence both its severity and its responsiveness to treatment. Asthma that starts before the age of 12 years old is more likely due to genetic influence, while onset after age 12 is more likely due to environmental influence.
Causes of Asthma
Even though it is unclear why some people get asthma and others never do, it is wildly believed and accepted that a combination of environmental and genetic factors causes Asthma and Asthmatic attacks.
We take a look at the Triggers, Risks, And Complications below.
Asthma triggers
Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger the allergens in our body can trigger asthma. It is worthy to note that asthma triggers are different from one person to the other and can include the following
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
- Strong emotions and stress
- Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
- Physical activity
- Cold air
- Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
- Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
- Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
Risk factors
A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These factors that may increase your chances of developing Asthma are referred to as the Risk Factors of Asthma. Some of these Rist Factors include:
- Being overweight
- Being a smoker
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Having a blood relative with asthma, such as a parent or sibling
- Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis — which causes red, itchy skin — or hay fever — which causes a runny nose, congestion and itchy eyes
- Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
- Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
Complications
Asthma complications include:
- Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and other activities
- Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups
- A permanent narrowing of the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs (bronchial tubes), which affects how well you can breathe
- Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
- Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma
Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma.