Asthma Causes

There are many asthma causes, however,the exact cause of asthma is still not known, however researchers believe a combination of factors (family history and certain environmental exposures) work together to cause asthma to develop, most often in childhood. These factors include:

  • An inherited propensity to develop allergies, called atopy (AT-o-pe)
  • Parents who have asthma
  • Certain respiratory infections during childhood
  • Contact with certain airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in early childhood or infancy when the immune system is not fully developed

Identifying asthma causes, what triggers your asthma or makes an allergic reaction worse is the first step in good asthma management. Different people have different allergy triggers. Some include:

Allergens the root of Asthma Causes.

An Asthmatic reaction is a body's response to a substance that is usually harmless to most people.  These substances are known as allergens. Exposure to allergens may cause swelling and irritation in areas of the body such as the lungs, nose, skin and eyes. They are one of the main asthma causes.

Air Pollution

  • Outdoor: bushfire smoke, bacteria, fungi, pollens, (natural allergens). motor vehicle exhaust, cigarette/cigar smoke, wood combustion heaters (man-made allergens)
  • Indoor: Exposure to other chemical pollutants that come from within any building such as furnishings, heaters and occupants & chemicals. Tobacco smoke is a major cause of allergic reaction, especially in young children. Smoke contains chemicals that can irritate the throat and lungs.


Bushfires

Wood smoke from bush fires contain gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and a number of organic compounds, any of which could be a asthma trigger.

Chemicals

Chemicals such as Formaldehyde found in furniture, wood panels, glues, house paints, cigarettes, markers which have a characteristic smell all may be Asthma triggers.

Nitrogen dioxide is emitted indoors in appliances such as unflued gas heaters. Nitrogen dioxide exposure may worsen Asthma symptoms.

Organic compounds are found in most natural and synthetic materials Treated furniture, Floor coverings, cleaning liquids, office equipment, products such as paints, glues are sources of chemical vapours. These volatile compounds can cause irritation of a persons airways leading to an allgeric reaction.

Colds & Flus

Colds and flus are the most common asthma triggers, and difficult to avoid. Influenza vaccination is recommended for people with severe chronic asthma.

There is a very low risk of asthma getting worse after a flu shot.  It hasn't  been shown to protect against asthma worsening.

Asthma management is critical when the flu is prevelant. If you are on  preventer medication take it as prescribed even if well. Ensure you carry & use your blue reliever medication as prescribed.

Dust mites

House dust mites are microscopic in size.  They feed on the skin we shed that becomes part of house dust.  They are the main cause of Dust Allergy.

Live mites may occur in their thousands in pillows, floor coverings, mattresses & bedding etc.  Houses in humid regions characteristically have high populations of mites. 

Fragmented mite bodies and mite faeces becomes airborne when dust is disturbed and is inhaled. This is the allergen that causes a Asthmatic reaction. The live mites do not become airborne.  Dust mite allergen is distributed and accumulates throughout a house. Live dust mites require moist areas to thrive. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA rated cleaner and washing down of surfaces reduces the accumulated allergens

Emotions

Depression found in a higher proportion of Asthma sufferers than the general population - plus the impact of a restricted life with Asthma increases the likelihood of allergic reactions.

People with mental health issues who suffer from Astma may not carefully manage allergies.

Depression often results in bad problem-solving; which can affect a person's ability to manage asthma or know when to seek medical assistance.

Good asthma management is vital to you in reducing asthma symptoms. This also minimizes the secondary possibility of feeling depressed because of your allergic condition.

Laughter

A mild chuckle can be enough to trigger Laughter Induced Asthma (LIA). Typically coughing and chest tightness occurs.

Stress

The effect of stress on asthma remains a unresolved issue with many studies trying to prove the affects of stress on a body's immune sydtem which in turn controls allergic responses.

Stress is more than an asthma trigger.  Chemicals and hormones produced by stressful situations can have an indirect affect on the development of asthmatic reactions. Stress has been linked with the reduction of the effectiveness of asthma medications and increase sensitivity to certain allergens.