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Asthma Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of asthma is not known. It does seem to run in some families. Current research suggests a combination of environment, genetics and biology may lead to asthma. Possible triggers of an asthma attack in a person with asthma include:

  • Exercise
  • Cold weather
  • Viral illness
  • Sinusitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Sulfites used in dried fruits and wine
  • Medications, such as aspirin , ibuprofen , and beta-blockers
  • Exposure to irritants or allergens, including:
    • Cigarette smoke, smoke from a wood-burning stove
    • Pet dander
    • Dust
    • Chemicals
    • Mold and mildew
    • Pollen
    • Smog or air pollution
    • Perfumed products

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing asthma. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

  • Living in a large urban area
  • Regularly breathing in cigarette smoke (including second-hand smoke)
  • Regularly breathing in industrial or agricultural chemicals
  • A parent who has asthma
  • History of multiple respiratory infections during childhood
  • Low birth weight
  • Being overweight
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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