What could be the cause(s) of my asthma?
There are as many causes to asthma as there are symptoms – ranging from genetic to external triggers (stimuli). Here’s a list of the factors found present in most of the cases:
1. Heredity: Researches have shown 25 genes associated with asthma common across various races in the world. These genes are all immune-response genes. However, it has also been found that certain genes only cause asthma when combined with certain environmental factors. (Source: Martinez FD (2007). "CD14, endotoxin, and asthma risk: actions and interactions". Proc Am Thorac Soc 4 (3): 221–5. doi:10.1513/pats.200702-035AW. PMID 17607003.)
2. Hyper-immune-response to allergens: As discussed in the workings of asthma.
3. External Triggers: Pollens, cigarette smoke, outdoor smoke (containing nitrogen dioxide or sulphur dioxide), cold air, cockroach killing sprays, high levels of humidity, high levels of ozone in air, smog, swimming pool chlorine, bleaches, other ammonia or chlorine products that give out fumes etc
4. Indoor Triggers: Mold spores, carpets, stuffed furniture, pet fur, dust mites, cockroach allergens, aerosols, flour, certain perfumes and chemicals such as detergents.
5. Medication: Beta-blockers, aspirin, increase in the usage of paracetamols and the penicillin family of drugs are potent triggers.
6. Exercise: The sudden and volumic exposure of the bronchi walls to cold and dry air at times of strenuous or exertive workouts can trigger a short-term bout of asthma.
7. Foods: some asthmatics respond severely to nuts, milk, egg etc.
8. Stress and Anxiety: These act as immune-modulators and can potentially lead to an inflammation response to any number of allergens and pollutants.
9. Hormones in adolescent girls
10. C-section in some cases has been noted to bring on asthma in women. The exposure to bacteria in vaginal (normal) birth is different than those at the time of a C-section which also modulates the immune response in many women.
11. Occupational hazards: People who are in frequent contact with flour, animal proteins, certain enzymes, dyes, chemicals etc at their workplace are more prone to asthmatic attacks than others.
12. Repeated use of antibiotics, cleaning products in early childhood (The Hygiene Hypothesis) makes adults more prone to asthma.
Diagnosing Asthma
Your doctor will start with a set of questions to eliminate other causes of your symptoms (that may be shared by other conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease etc) along with prevailing conditions at your home and at work, your allergies, foods as well as medications and medical history apart from specifics on night or morning coughing, wheezing, chest tightness etc.
As a confirmatory test, a Spirometry Lung Function Test (checking the airway restriction, maximum volume of air inhaled etc) may be conducted to diagnose the condition.
In emergency situations doctors may also use a Capnography and a Pulse Oximetry. Capnography measures the volume of exhaled carbon dioxide and Pulse Oximetry will give an indication of the amount of oxygen carried in the haemoglobin to determine the severity of an episode.
The latest development in diagnostic tests is a breath test which checks the volume of nitrogen dioxide exhaled to indicate bronchial inflammation.
Mamta Singh is a published author (Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips from a Sufferer. Publisher: Rupa & Co.), seasoned business, creative and academic writer.
She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. Mamta runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business, and is presently training as a Holistic Healing Therapist from the U.K. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation.
Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com