According to the Environmental Protection Agency, asthma is one of the most common serious chronic diseases in children. Asthma is the third highest reason for hospitalization in children under the age of 15. Asthma, according to the EPA, leads to over 13 million missed school days per year. Having an understanding and increased awareness of the causes and triggers can help in the management and control of asthma in children.
Hygiene Hypothesis
According to the National Lung, Blood and Heart Institute, the exact cause of asthma is not known. The NHLBI identifies a possible theory called the hygiene hypothesis. The belief is that countries in the Western part of the world, such as the United States, have placed a great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation, thereby leading to a decrease in infections in children. The decrease, although positive, has an evolutionary effect as children have not been exposed to as many environmental factors or infections as in the past. As a result, there is an effect on the development of children's immune systems, thereby increasing the risk of developing asthma.
Atopy
According to the AAFA, if a child has certain types of allergies, they may increase the likelihood of developing asthma. Atopy is when a child is prone to allergies. It is passed on from the parents. It does not mean that a child has specific allergies, but that she is more likely to develop some type of allergy. Known causes of allergies are allergens such as dust mites, mold and pet dander. These allergens are known to increase the likelihood of a possible asthma attack, which is characterized by the swelling of the lungs and a shrinking of the airways, according to the CDC.
Heredity
According to the AAFA, asthma seems to run in families. Those with brothers, sisters or parents with asthma are more likely to develop asthma. There is also the potential of increased likelihood of developing asthma if both parents have a history of asthma or if only the mother has a history.
Respiratory Infections
According to the NHLBI, respiratory infections may also increase the development of asthma in children. Two common viral infections in children are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus, according to the AAFA. Bronchiolitis, which can develop from RSV along with wheezing, a common symptom of asthma, can lead to the development of asthma later in the life of a child.
Tobacco Smoke
According to the AAFA, smoking is a risk factor for the development of asthma in children and one of the more common triggers of asthma for those of any age. Exposure to secondhand smoke could lead to the development and increase the severity of asthma-related symptoms.
