What causes Asthma?

There is no clear cut reason why some people get asthma and some people don’t. There are so many different things in the world that can cause air way restriction. Some of the most common causes of asthma are exercise, allergens, environmental irritants and even some viral infections. A small percentage of people experience asthma from exercise and infections but it can happen. Allergens are one of the most popular causes of asthma. Some of these objects can bring on an attack, animal dander. Dander comes from the skin, hair or feathers of an animal. Dust mites found in house dust can cause an attack. Cockroaches, mold and pollen from the trees and the grass.

Irritants and allergens can cause asthma

Irritants can bring on an attack just as easily. Some common irritants that cause asthma attacks are cigarette smoke, air pollution and scented products. If you look on a can of aerosol air freshener, it will say danger harmful irritants. Very strong odors from things like cooking and painting can cause problems. Lastly, cold air or changes in the weather can be a ticket to asthma attacks. There are other miscellaneous causes that are associated with asthma. Certain medications that contain aspirin and beta blockers. Certain foods such as sulfates in food like in dried fruit or certain beverages ( wine ).

When these allergens or irritants are inhaled they go to work by closing the airways. The allergens and irritants are triggers that impose themselves in the airways. Then inflammation sets in and the passage ways get red and swollen. Inflammation makes a contribution in a big way to long term lung damage. That is why anti inflammation medication must be taken at once.

There are at least 12 million American that suffer from Asthma and about 15 percent of them are under the age of 18. Asthma is one those conditions that can occur at any age, you can live years without but then maybe at age 15 you can get it. Symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. If you suspect that you may have asthma then get it checked out by a doctor, asthma can be a serious condition don’t wait.

Treatments are available, your doctor will prescribe the best medications based on how serious your case is. Take the medications prescribed to you and even if you feel better follow the doctors orders.