Fact Checked
The Causes of Asthma
- Asthma is a long-lasting illness affecting the air passages in the lungs. The precise causes of asthma are still not known.
- Though, asthma experts believe that a mixture of hereditary and ecological factors can cause asthma or at least make an individual sensitive to asthma triggers.
- Though, no one actually knows why some individuals are affected by asthma, while others are not.
- Allergies are also connected to asthma. But not all individuals who experience allergies get asthma.
- While the causes of asthma are not fully known, doctors have recognized the main causes of asthma symptoms.
Disclaimer / More Details
The details posted on this page on Asthma is for learning purposes only. If you believe you are having an asthma attack consult a medical professional immediately. To learn to recognize and manage a variety of different types of breathing emergencies sign up for a first aid course today.
Inflammation
- If you experience asthma, the lining of your airways become inflamed. This swelling makes the air passages very sensitive to certain triggers.
- The swelling may constrict the air passages which makes it hard for air to go through the airways.
Tightening Of The Airway
- To further confuse things, when the airways are triggered by certain allergens, the muscles surrounding the airways constrict.
- This means the air passages become even thinner and gives you a taut feeling in the chest, like a cord is being squeezed around it.
- Phlegm can get stuck in the constricted airways, causing more breathing problems.
Asthma Triggers
- The triggers that cause the swelling and airway restriction can differ with each person.
Asthma triggers consist of:
- Pet hair;
- Heartburn or acid reflux;
- Allergic response to food;
- Pollen;
- Tobacco smoke;
- Breathing infections (such as the cold);
- Fluctuations in weather (particularly cold air);
- Anxiety and strong reactions;
- Exercise and physical movement;
- Mold;
- Dust mites and cockroaches; and
- Certain medicines (aspirin).
Related Video On Asthma
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