There are different substances and illnesses that trigger asthma attacks food allergies, pollen, pets, mold, mites, infections, tobacco smoke, and stress. These triggers are not the same as the cause of asthma. Scientists and doctors have researched the causes of asthma and what causes an individual to develop the illness. The causes are examined below. There is no one cause of asthma.
Genetics and Heredity
Many diseases are caused by genes and illnesses that run in our families. If you have family members that suffered from asthma the chances are good that you may develop it. Environmental factors like pollution, smog, and high pollen count add to the chances of developing asthma. Researchers and doctors have found genetic links in patients when treating them in families.
A researcher has identified several genes that cause allergies and asthma. Many involve the immune system and how your breathing and airways function. Research continues in this area.
More Than One Allergy
Sometimes you have more than one type of allergy and they overlap causing an asthma attack. When you don’t know what your allergic to an allergist can run tests and help you find the triggers and help you avoid asthma from allergies. Asthma is classified as mild, moderate, and severe. There are medications, injections, and diet for treatment.
Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can cause asthma in young children with developing immune systems. These infections can cause asthma in older people too. Getting the flu shot and washing your hands during the flu season can help manage infections from turning into asthma attacks.
Smoking, Second Hand Smoke, and Fires
Second-hand smoke from other smoking near you, or in your home can cause asthma. When you smoke and have allergies you often develop asthma. Second-hand smoke is harmful to many people. With the recent fires in California, many experts say it harmful to those with undiagnosed asthma and those with asthma. These fires are believed to be the cause of some deaths in patients with severe asthma.
Hormones in Women and Men
More women than men get asthma due to female hormones. Girls get asthma during puberty when hormones change and they get their period. Often a change is seen when women go through menopause. More research is needed to understand this. High hormones often bring asthma attacks in women.
We can certainly help you with your allergy problems here at Allergy Asthma and Sinus Centers. contact us today.