Asthma, the most common long-term diseases in children, according to the World Health Organization, is a lung disease that causes the bronchial tubes (airways) to become inflamed and constricted. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports that over 22 million people in the United States suffer from asthma. Although there is no cure, asthma symptoms can be managed through knowing the warning signs, avoiding triggers and taking medications. The exact cause of asthma is not known, but there are several factors that increase the risk of developing this disease.
Family History
Asthma occurs when the body produces antibodies, known as IgE, to certain environmental triggers. This means that asthma is an allergic disease. A study published in the May 2009 issue of "Clinical and Molecular Allergy" indicates that scientists have known that asthma is a genetic (runs in families) disorder since the early twentieth century. This same study reports that more current research has revealed that it is a multifactorial disorder that is triggered through interactions between genetics and environmental factors. Therefore, when one member of a family has asthma, it increases the risk for others in that family to develop the disease.
Allergies
Because asthma involves the production of IgE antibodies in response to allergens, asthma is closely related to other types of allergic responses, including seasonal allergies, contact dermatitis and eczema. Therefore, those who suffer from other allergic disorders are at an increased risk of developing asthma.
Air Contaminants
Being exposed to contaminants in the air increases the risk for developing asthma. Contaminants may include environmental pollutants such as smog created by cars, trucks and factories; sulfur dioxide produced from the burning of coal and crude oil; and dust, soot, ash and aerosols.
Second-hand smoke--the smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes breathed by those other than the primary smoker--can also contribute to the onset of asthma symptoms.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections, such as the cold or flu, can infect the lungs and cause airway inflammation. Children who experience frequent infections have an increased risk of developing asthma due to the damage caused by the infections. Frequent respiratory infections can also impair the immune system, making it more susceptible to illnesses such as asthma.
Weight
Obesity and asthma may be linked, but their exact relationship is a point of controversy. According to the American Academy of Asthma Allergy and Immunology, an increase in weight increases the risk of developing asthma. Those who are overweight have a more difficult time breathing as the respiratory muscles must work harder. This leads to shortness of breath and wheezing.
