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Asthma
The Causes and Risks of Asthma
Diagnosing Asthma
Complications of Asthma
Treatment of Asthma
Prevention of Asthma
The
Causes and Risk Factors of Asthma
Those people with an inherited predisposition to asthma are
more likely than others to develop the disease. As well, those
people who are highly sensitive to allergens and other
environmental factors are at increased risk. The inflammation
of the bronchial tubes that causes asthma renders the air
passages hyper sensitive to many environmental triggers.
Asthma can develop at any age, from children to seniors. Most
people with asthma under the age of 30 experience allergies
that often trigger asthma. For those over the age of 30 with
asthma, allergies to airborne particles are common. Older
people with asthma often don't suffer from respiratory
allergies, but instead react to the exposure to irritants such
as smoke, cold air and even stress.
The most common cause of asthma is a combination of allergic
and non allergic responses. Common triggers include:
1) Allergens (exs. pollen and molds)
2) Air pollutants
3) Respiratory infections (ex. the common cold)
4) Smoke
5) Cold air
6) Some medications (exs. beta blockers, aspirin, non
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
7) Stress
8) Preservatives (ex. sulfites)
9) Sinusitis
10) Gastro esophageal reflux disease
11) Cockroaches
Risk Factors of Asthma
The incidence of asthma has been dramatically on the rise.
This is particularly true for those adults and children living
in cities. Asthma is the most common chronic illness in
children and is more common in boys. Once children reach
puberty, asthma becomes more common in females.
Factors that may increase the chances of developing asthma.
1) Urban living (likely due to increased exposure to
environmental pollutants)
2) Exposure to certain chemicals, such as those used in paint,
plastics or hair products
3) Secondhand smoke
4) A parent with asthma
5) High incidence of respiratory infection in childhood
6) Obesity
7) Low birth weight
8) Gastroesophageal reflux disease
The
American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology provides
outstanding resources for those suffering from asthma and it's
complications. For parents of asthmatic children,
the Allergy &
Asthmatic Network Mothers of Asthmatics offers excellent
information for both parents and children. |
