Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs consisting of irritated airways that become inflamed and swollen with an increasing accumulation of mucus. When airways get inflamed, an asthmatic experiences episodes of difficulty breathing, including shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), there are more than 22 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with asthma. Numerous triggers can spur on an asthma attack.
Heredity
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) states that people with a family history of asthma sufferers have a genetic predisposition for developing the disease. However, just because both your parents have asthma does not mean you will absolutely develop it. The AAFA also notes that it remains unclear why you do or do not get the disease.
Another causative factor of asthma is atopy, or an inherited tendency to develop allergies. This means you have genetic programming to develop asthma from exposure to allergens. Due to its genetic origin, the AAFA adds that the focus of asthma causes are on triggers that cause the disease's symptoms.
Environmental Factors
Asthma triggers in the environment include things such as animal dander, pollen, dust, cockroaches and mold. Also, perfumes or aerosol spray products, cigarette smoke, and smoke from a fireplace can initiate a hypersensitive response. Sudden changes in weather can affect a person with asthma more strongly than those without. If your occupation exposes you to metal salts, industrial chemicals or wood dusts, these factors can cause airway irritation, as well.
Physiological Factors
Upper-respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, can bring on an asthma episode, because it directly affects the airways. Stress and hormonal changes are considered triggers, as well. The Mayo Clinic explains that physical exertion can bring on symptoms, as in a type of asthma called exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Other Factors
There are other asthma triggers that might seem like uncommon causes of asthma symptoms. These include medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including Motrin. Additionally, some food additives, such as monosodium glutamate (commonly known as MSG), can be contributing factors of an asthma episode.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Asthma
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems"; S. Lewis, M. Heitkemper and S. Dirksen; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Exercise-Induced Asthma
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: What Causes Asthma
