Asthma is a disease of the lungs. It occurs due to inflammation of and allergic reactions in the airways. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. Allergens, including pollen, dust mites and cockroach droppings, can induce asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Cold weather and exercise can also cause asthma symptoms. "Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes In The United States: A Blueprint For Policy Action" says that several risk factors are associated with the development and progression of asthma.
Family History
If one or more members of a family suffer from asthma, it increases other family members' risk of developing asthma or of having children that have asthma. Mayo Clinic reports that a family history of asthma puts one at risk for developing asthma.
Respiratory Infections
Children who have recurrent episodes of respiratory infections with wheezing are at increased risk of developing asthma, according to the National Heart Blood ad Lung Institute.
Premature Birth
"Asthma Care in the Community" by Jill Waldron suggests that babies who are born prematurely are at risk for developing asthma. This may be because they have under developed lungs.
Lifestyle
Smoking while pregnant puts the unborn child at risk for developing asthma when it is born. Inhalation of second hand smoke--smoke that comes from a cigarette and blown into the atmosphere by a smoker-- puts individuals at risk for developing asthma.
Area of Residence
According to "Asthma in Focus" by Anna Murphy, the area where an individual lives may increase their risk of becoming asthmatic. People who live in the inner cities and in areas with a lot of air pollution are at risk for developing asthma.
Occupation
The type of job a person does can lead to asthma. Occupations that involve inhalation of substances such as fumes, gases and chemicals are risk factors for asthma.
Season of Birth
"Asthma in Focus" by Anna Murphy suggests that the season during which a child is born may put them at risk for becoming asthmatic. Asthma occurs much more in children born in spring and summer. Furthermore, children born during these months are exposed to allergens at a young age and may develop asthma because of this.
Allergen Exposure
When children who are genetically susceptible to allergens are exposed to them at a young age, they may develop asthma.
References
- "Asthma Care in the Community"; Jill Waldron; 2007
- "Improving Childhood Asthma Outcomes In The United States: A Blueprint For Policy Action"; Marielena Lara; 2001
- "Asthma in Focus"; Anna Murphy; 2007
- MayoClinic: Asthma- Risk Factors
- National Heart Blood and Lung Institute: Who Is At Risk for Asthma?
