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Medical Video: Childhood Asthma May Increase Risks of Shingles
Asthma is a respiratory tract disease in the chronic lungs. The true cause of asthma is never known. However, asthma experts believe that a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors (such as family history, childhood infections, and exposure to allergens) can cause asthma or at least increase the sensitivity of asthma triggers. Allergies are usually associated with asthma. But not all people who have allergies have asthma.
Cause
Doctors already know the two main conditions that cause asthma symptoms: pinflammation and blockage of the airways.
Inflammation
When asthma, the inner wall of the airways will swell (inflammation). This inflammation makes the airways sensitive to irritants and asthma triggers. This swelling narrows the course of the air flow, making the air more difficult to flow. This is what then causes difficulty breathing.
Blocking of the airways
When the airways come in contact with some asthma triggers, the muscles around the airways tighten. This causes the airways to become narrower and cause a feeling of tightness in the chest. Some people say it feels like it is tied tightly around the chest. Mucus can also be trapped in the airways, making breathing more difficult.
Asthma triggers
Asthma triggers that cause inflammation and blockage of the airways can vary in each patient. Knowing your asthma triggers is important to prevent undesirable things.
Common asthma triggers include:
- Pollen
- Mites and cockroaches
- Mushrooms
- Animal hair and emotions
- Weather changes (especially cold air)
- Respiratory tract infections
- Cigarettes
- Severe stress and emotions
- Physical activity
- Allergic reactions to food or sulfites (food preservatives)
- Heartburn / acid reflux / stomach acid
- Some medications (aspirin, beta blockers)
Consult with your doctor to find out the true cause of your asthma, then plan a 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 you are likely to be at greater risk of developing it too.
Gender and age
Asthma is more common in children than adults. Men have more asthma than women. The risk is the same between people and women in the adult category.
Allergy
Sensitivity to allergens is usually an accurate predictor of your potential for asthma. Some of the allergens are:
- Dust
- Animal hair
- Mushrooms
- Toxic material
Allergens can trigger an asthma attack after you have it.
Cigarettes
Cigarette smoke can irritate the airways. Smokers have a high risk of contracting asthma. Those whose mothers smoke during pregnancy or those who are exposed to cigarette smoke can also be at risk of contracting asthma.
Obesity
Overweight or obese children and adults have a greater risk of contracting asthma. Although the reasons are unclear, some experts think that mild inflammation can occur due to excess weight.
Viral respiratory tract infections
Respiratory problems during infancy and children can cause wheezing. Some children who suffer from this respiratory infection usually will also have asthma.
