What Causes Asthma?
In identifying what causes asthma, the genetic factors or primary cause of asthma must be considered as well as the conditions or substances that trigger the symptoms. Asthma symptoms develop when a person has a primary cause of asthma and exposure to substances or conditions that trigger the symptoms.
The most common primary cause of asthma is a genetic tendency for the immune system to overreact to allergens. The hereditary hyperactive immune system is called atopy. Atopy has not only been linked to asthma but also to eczema and allergies. Often, a person who develops asthma will have a family history of allergies, eczema, or asthma.
In addition to atopy, contracting certain respiratory infections during childhood and exposure to some chemical substances have been identified as other causes of asthma. Therefore, someone who does not have the genetic predisposition to asthma but has been exposed to these other causes of asthma can develop asthma symptoms in response to asthma triggers.
Conditions are substances that cause a person with asthma to develop asthma symptoms is known as an asthma trigger. Asthma triggers cause mucus to accumulate in airways, muscles around the airways to tighten, and the lining of the airway to become inflamed. Air pollution and irritants like smoke or fumes can be asthma triggers.
A common asthma trigger is the presence of allergens in the air. Pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites are common allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms. Smoke, chemical fumes, and perfumes are common irritants to people with asthma. These irritants can trigger asthma symptoms.
Some people experience asthma symptoms only when they exercise. Exercise-induced asthma may be caused by breathing through the mouth. Exercise causes the air to be inhaled more quickly and the air to be cooler since it is not warmth by these passages. People with exercise-induced asthma may need to use an inhaler before or during exercise.
People may develop asthma symptoms in response to significant stress or strong emotions. An emotional response can cause changes in breathing and airway constriction naturally which can trigger asthma symptoms.
Respiratory infections cause stress on the airways and an accumulation of mucus which can trigger asthma symptoms. People with asthma may need more asthma medication at times when they have the flu, colds, sinus infections, or other respiratory ailments.