Causes of Asthma

An asthmatic reaction is similar in many ways to an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction is the body’s immune system response to an “invader.” When the cells of the immune system sense an invader they set off a series of reactions to help fight off the invader. It is this series of reactions which causes the production of mucus and bronchospasms, and consequently an asthma attack.

What is an Invader?

For asthma, the invaders are known as causes or triggers. Triggers vary from person to person. Below is a partial list of the most common types of triggers.

Environmental

The environment you live in and the lifestyle you choose partly determine whether you have asthma attacks.

Allergens

• Pollen from trees and grass
• Mold (indoor and outdoor)
• Animal dander (from the skin, hair or feathers of animals)
• Dust mites (contained in house dust)
• Cockroaches

Irritants

• Cigarette smoke
• Air pollution
• Scented products
• Strong odors from painting or cooking
• Cold air or changes in weather
• Strong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard)
• Stress

Others

• Medicines (such as aspirin and beta-blockers)
• Sulfites in food (dried fruit) or beverages (wine)
• Irritants or allergens that you may be exposed to at your work (such as special chemicals or dust)
• A condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night)
• Infections
• Exercise

Genetics

Some people are born with the tendency to have asthma. Scientists are currently trying to find the genes that cause this tendency.

There is also evidence that a person will have a genetic predisposition towards asthma if he/she has a relative (parent, brother, sister) who also has asthma.