Bronchial asthma affects over sixteen million adults and seven million children according to the Centers for Disease Control. Asthma is a disease of the lungs that manifests as shortness of breath, coughing and weezing. Although specific causes are unknown, there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Family History
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, asthma may be heritable. Individuals with a parent or parents, with the disease are more likely to also have asthma. Some children may also inherit an increased sensitivity to allergens like cat dander and cigarette smoke which can contribute to asthma development.
Respiratory Infections
According to MayoClinic.com, children that suffer viral infections, like a cold, when they are very young could be more prone to developing bronchial asthma. Increases in the number of asthma cases in modern society have led some scientists to hypothesize that the modern environment may have altered the development of the immune system in children. Because of improvements in sanitation, for example, children are not infected by certain viruses and bacteria that may have boosted immunity and prevented asthma disease in the past.
Allergies
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, individuals who come into contact with airborne allergens or chemicals when they are young could develop asthma. Examples of allergens and chemicals include dust, mold, pets and disease-carrying bugs.
