What are the factors that increase the risk of asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease of the lungs. The true cause of asthma is never known. However, some asthma experts stated that the combination of genetic factors and environmental factors (such as childhood infections, family history, and exposure to allergens) can cause asthma or at least increase the sensitivity of asthma triggers. Allergies are usually associated with asthma. But not everyone who has allergies has asthma.
Cause
Doctors have known two major conditions that cause asthma symptoms: inflammation and blockage of the airways.
Inflammation
When asthma, the inner wall of the airways will swell (inflammation). This inflammation makes the airways become sensitive to substances that cause irritation and asthma triggers. This swelling narrows the flow of air, making the air more difficult to flow. This then causes breathing difficulties.
Blockage of the airways
When the airways come into contact with some asthma triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten. This causes the airways to become narrower and cause a sense of tightness in the chest. Some people say it feels like in a tightrope around the chest. Mucus can be trapped also in the airways, making breathing becomes increasingly difficult.
Asthma triggers
Asthma triggers that cause inflammation and blockage of the airways may vary in each patient. Knowing your asthma triggers is important to prevent undesirable things.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Pollen
- Mites and cockroaches
- Mushrooms
- Feather and emotion
- Weather changes (especially cold air)
- Respiratory tract infections
- Cigarettes
- Stress and severe emotion
- Physical activity
- Allergic reactions to food or sulfites (food preservatives)
- Heartburn / acid reflux / stomach acid
- Some medications (aspirin, beta blockers)
Consult your doctor for the true cause of your asthma, then plan your prevention plan.
Risk factors
There are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of people with asthma. Includes:
Family history
If there is one member of your family who has asthma then chances are you will be at great risk to have it as well.
Gender and age
Asthma is more common in children than adults. Men have more asthma than women. The risk is the same between oria and women for the adult category.
Allergy
Sensitivity to allergen substances is usually an accurate predictor of your potential for developing asthma. Some of the allergens are:
- Dust
- Animal fur
- Mushrooms
- Toxic materials
Allergens can trigger an asthma attack after you have it.
Obesity
Overweight or obese children and adults have a higher risk of asthma. Although the reason is unclear, some experts think that mild inflammation can occur because of excess weight.
Viral respiratory tract infections
Respiratory problems during infancy and children can cause wheezing. Some children with respiratory tract infections will usually also have asthma.
