Common Causes of Asthma
Asthma is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to stimuli. Asthma is a condition due to both hereditary and environmental factors. It involves inflammation and constriction of air passages.
An asthma attack may be provoked by:
- Allergens – animal dander, dust, certain food and medicines, mites, mold spores, pollen.
- Viral or bacterial infections – bronchitis, cold or the flu, coughs, sinusitis, strepthroat.
- Environmental irritants and pollutants – exhaust gases, hair spray, perfumes, smoke from tobacco or wood.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs act as triggers in a small percentage of people with asthma. Because aspirin-induced asthma can be severe and come on very quickly, you should avoid taking aspirin and other NSAIDs if you have aspirin-sensitve asthma .
- Emotional stress – excitement, stress, fear.
- Strenuous exercise that involves continuous movements over a long period in cold, dry air.
