Asthma has no single cause. It is caused my multiple factors, which can be
divided in two groups:
1. External
2. Internal.
Asthma is caused and maintained by more than one of the
following causes:
1. Genetic or hereditary cause
2. Environmental factors (pollution, pollen, etc)
- Systemic diseases
3. Mental stress
4. Allergens
Asthma has a tendency to recur and get chronic. It is often observed to be a life long disease like diabetes or high blood pressure.
One or more of the above factors lead to altered immunity which eventually leads to chronic asthma. It may be noted that the genetic tendency for asthma forms soil, leading to susceptibility to be affected by other external or internal trigger factors.
Allergens:
• Pollens
• Air pollutants
• Smoking and second hand smoking
• Respiratory infections
• Common cold, Sinusitis
• Exercise, physical exertion
• Cold air
• Medications: Aspirin, NSAID, Beta blockers etc
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
The list can be exhaustive though each person may have a different individual or a combination of triggering factor.
Risk Factors:
The following factors increase your chances of developing Asthma.
• Urban / Industrial areas where the exposure to environmental pollutants is more.
• Work Environment - Exposure to chemicals, dust, industrial waste.
• Heredity - Have a history of either parents or family members suffering from Asthma.
• Childhood - History of recurrent respiratory tract infections, low birth weight.
• GERD
Causes
