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What causes asthma?

Updated: 11/14/2022
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7y ago

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The causes of Asthma aren't clear. But we do know that certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing asthma, or of it becoming persistent.

Allergic or extrinsic asthma is the most common type of asthma and results from breathing in certain allergens and irritants that cause an allergic reaction and asthma attack. Allergic asthma can affect anyone at any age, but children are more likely to suffer from this inflammatory condition. Researchers believe that both hereditary and environmental factors are responsible for allergic asthma.

In people with allergic asthma, the over-sensitive airway passages to the lungs become inflamed and the surrounding muscles constrict (tighten) when an allergen or irritant is inhaled. This in turn triggers asthma symptoms.

Allergic asthma is caused by inhaling specific allergens and irritants that set off an allergic reaction and asthma symptoms. In people without asthma, these allergens and irritants are often harmless and cause no response; however, in people with allergic asthma, their hyper-sensitive immune systems think that they are harmful substances.

Asthma is often caused by various allergens or irritants in the lungs which leads to inflammation of the lungs. Various factors can exacerbate the lungs, making them more vulnerable to asthma. Other lifestyle choices can also increase ones likelihood for asthma, and increase the severity of asthma.

Inflammation of the airway is the body's reaction to something it considers harmful as an attempt to keep the bad stuff out, unfortunately sometimes to the detriment of the body itself. It can even be caused by stomach acid ( acid reflux ) rising up and irritating the oesophagus.

Common Allergens or Irritants

Allergens that can trigger asthma attacks:

  • Tree, grass and weed pollen.
  • Mould spores.
  • Animal dander (skin flakes). Pet urine, faeces, saliva and hair can also trigger an asthma attack.
  • Cockroach faeces and saliva.
  • Dust mite faeces.

Irritants that can trigger asthma attacks:

  • Tobacco smoke and smoke from candles, incense or a chimney.
  • Cold air.
  • Air pollution.
  • Scents from scented products, such as perfumes, air fresheners and lotions.
  • Dust.
  • Industrial and household chemicals.

Likelihood of developing asthma

You're more likely to develop asthma if:

  • You smoke.
  • You have another allergic disease, such as eczema or hay fever.
  • A close relative has asthma, eczema, hay fever or allergic conjunctivitis.
  • You were born prematurely or with a low birth weight.
  • You had bronchiolitis as a child.
  • You were exposed to tobacco smoke as a child.
  • Either of your parents had asthma.

Other lifestyle choices or factors that can make one vulnerable to Asthma:

  • smoking
  • stress and/or over-exertion of the body (eg: sports)
  • respiratory illness, eg cold, flu.
  • lack of exercise
  • lack of sleep
  • diet
  • sudden weight change.
  • having children

To find your individual cause you should see an allergist. Most allergists are also asthma specialists, and will try different things until a desirable result is found.

Allergies, a LEETLE piece of pollen, grass, dirt, etc. Also, asthma can be caused by not breathing right.

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7y ago
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12y ago

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airway passages in your lungs. The two main causes are airway constriction and inflammation. Airway constriction occurs when the muscles that surround the airways contract. This leads to a tightening feeling in the chest. Inflammation decreases the volume of air that you are able to inhale and exhale due to swollen and irritated lungs. Inflammation may also be accompanied by mucus. Asthma can be triggered by both internal and external factors.

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12y ago

The cause of asthma are genetic and environmental factors. Environmental factors can include pollen, dust, cigarette smoke.

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11y ago

The number one cause of asthma is damage to the lungs of individuals. This damage can be caused by underdevelopment during birth.

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