Asthma is a relatively common condition diagnosed among many children, especially towards these recent years. It is characterized by constricted airways and difficulty breathing that may come about by various triggers. But exactly what causes asthma?
Interestingly, asthma has been linked to hereditary factors, meaning that a person is generally born with the condition as passed down over the generations. As such, experts would rather redirect the question into asking what causes the symptoms of asthma to manifest. People who have asthma typically have inflamed airways that are hypersensitive to things that generally do not bother people without the condition. These are what doctors call asthma triggers.
Indeed, triggers for asthma vary from case to case, and also depends on whether the person has allergic or non-allergic asthma. But the most common triggers are the following:
1. Allergens – These are substances that cause allergic reaction, and include tiny objects such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, molds, or in some cases, cockroach droppings. For people suffering from asthma, these substances which trigger allergic reactions also cause an asthma episode. Allergens are not limited to things that may be inhaled, as they may also include things that may be eaten, such as seafood. Therefore if you have asthma, it would be crucial to avoid or at least minimize exposure to these known allergens so as to prevent symptoms from appearing.
2. Air irritants – These are not necessarily allergens but these substances cause irritation to the airways. Common examples are cigarette smoke, smoke from charcoal or wood fires, or strong odors like paint, household sprays, perfumes, gasoline, or even scented soap. Typically, these substances are not things that a person may be allergic to, but they can cause irritation especially to sensitive and inflamed airways
Interestingly, people nowadays are well aware of the possible link between smoking and deadly diseases like heart disease and cancer. What is less known, though, is the risk of smoking for asthma, especially in children. It is also a common asthma trigger for any age. This includes not only smoking firsthand but also the inhalation of second hand smoke from other people. Studies have in fact proven the link between second hand smoke and asthma, particularly in children. It has been shown to worsen asthma in kids and teens, while also causing up to 26,000 new asthma cases per year.
3. Respiratory infections – Infections on the respiratory tract like flu, colds, sore throats, or sinus infections are among the greatest triggers of asthma symptoms, particularly in children.
4. Exercise – When done moderately, exercise can actually be a good combative tool against asthma, but since the activity requires a person to breathe harder, it can make asthma symptoms flare up. It is especially important to watch exercise when it is done in cold air, as the combination is a frequent trigger of asthma symptoms. There is actually a form of asthma that is commonly spurred by physical activity; it is known as exercise-induced asthma. Symptoms for this form of asthma do not typically appear until a few minutes of sustained exercise. This kind of asthma typically has its symptoms go away in a few hours, and proper treatment can train a child do deal with his condition without limiting overall physical activity.
5. Weather – This is another important factor to consider if you have a child with asthma. Dry wind and cold air are among the top triggers, as is any sudden change in the weather.
6. Strong emotions – Interestingly, the expression of strong emotions such as fear, excitement, or anger, are known to trigger asthma symptoms, largely because these result in breathing changes. This is also the case for people without asthma, but those with asthma have a risk because this causes constrictions in the inflamed airways. Even laughing too hard might cause wheezing in a person with asthma.
Overall, these triggers are known for resulting in an asthma attack, but the reaction will vary from person to person. Some people only react when they come face to face with several factors, while others react to only one. As such, if you happen to have asthma, it is important to take note of the triggers that provoke your own symptoms, so you can do well to avoid them next time.
