Asthma – Most Common Causes

Listed in this article are a few of the common factors that can cause asthma. Have a look.

By Archana Mukherji

Asthma is considered to be a deadly disease. People suffering from Asthma seem to suffer their entire life.

It is very common these days among adults and kids and it is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs.

The common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Depending on the type of person, the frequency of the disease can vary from several times in a day to several times in a week.

In today's world, one can consider that pollution is the greatest factor behind this deadly disease, asthma.

Environmental factors like air pollution and allergens can cause asthma. The other main reason behind asthma is the genetic factor.

Asthma triggers can vary from person to person. For some, the reaction stays for a long period of time, whereas for some it stays for a short duration only.

This article helps to understand the various causes of Asthma, so that it can be a heads-up for many people who are unaware of this disease:

1. Air Pollution:

1. Air Pollution:

Air pollution does not mean only the allergies caused by dust. There are several other factors that contribute to air pollution and are the major reasons behind asthma. Cigarette is one killing factor.

Be it active or passive smoking, this can be a vital reason for asthma. Air pollution due to smog, wood fires, charcoals, grills, dust particles, ozone, etc., are other factors that can cause asthma.

Certain chemicals, when mixed with air, can also be a major reason behind this painful disease. There are some people who are too sensitive to even scented soaps, strong perfumes, strong odours of gasoline or paint, which can lead to asthma in them.

2. Respiratory Problems:

2. Respiratory Problems:

Common respiratory problems like cold, throat infection, sore throat, influenza, sinusitis and pneumonia, if not taken care at the early stage, can lead to asthma. In children, such respiratory issues are the common reasons behind asthma.

3. Weather Factors:

3. Weather Factors:

Sudden changes in the weather, especially cold air or dry wind can also cause asthma in some people.

4. Expressing Emotions:

4. Expressing Emotions:

When you try to express strong emotions, may it be laughter, excitement, fear, cry, anger or yelling, you can feel your breathing change, even if you are a normal person without asthma.

For people who have a history of asthma, it is another episode of suffering from this disease.

5. Exercise:

5. Exercise:

We all know that exercising is a great physical activity. However, relating it asthma might look contradictory to all. The point is at what condition are you doing the physical exercise.

If you are exercising in the cold air and you are already prone to asthma, the deep breathing and the cold air can lead to asthma again. So, all you need to do is to take appropriate treatment, so that you do not have to limit yourself to any physical activity and also keep in mind the environmental condition where you are doing so.

6. Allergens:

6. Allergens:

Common allergens that can be a vital reason for asthma are cockroaches, spiders, dust mites, pollens, rodents and molds.

If you have pets at home, it is very essential to keep them very clean because pet dander has been proved to be a major reason behind many asthma patients.

7. Other Factors:

7. Other Factors:

Certain medicines like aspirins and beta-blockers have been found to be major triggers to asthma.

Read more about: asthma pollution smoking