What Causes Asthma?

What exactly causes asthma is still unknown. But it is considered that asthma is caused due to a combination of various factors. There are many genetic factors, environmental factors or even medications that can cause asthma. Thus asthma causes are very complicated.

The cause of asthma may vary from person to person. In some people asthma is caused due to allergens, occupational irritants, lack of exercise or viral infections. Knowing the exact cause of asthma helps in knowing the asthma type so that a proper asthma treatment can be taken. Some of asthma causes are stated below:

Genetic Factors causing Asthma

Genetic factors can be responsible for causing asthma because asthma tends to run in the families. If anyone of yours parents has asthma, you are more likely to get it.

Environmental Factors causing Asthma

Most of the asthma causes come from environment. Asthma may be caused due to an allergic reaction when exposed to bacterial infection or exposure to occupational irritants.

1. Allergens causing Asthma

The following allergens may be responsible for causing asthma:

• Airborne pollens, asthma is most likely caused by allergic response to pollen during weather changes
• Molds, can cause severe asthma attacks in adults than other allergens
• Enzymes
• Plants
• Plants Proteins
• Fossil fuels like kerosene or diesel fuel may trigger allergic rhinitis, a condition that majority of people with asthma have
• Pet dander, which includes minute scales of hair, skin or feathers
• Droppings of Cockroaches
• Droppings of Dust mites

2. Occupational Irritants causing Asthma

The following occupational irritants may cause asthma:

• Air pollution
• Cigarette smoke
• Tobacco smoke
• Chemicals
• Dust
• Gases
• Vapors
• Fumes
• Changes in weather
• Scented products
• Strong odors
• Spray painting of cars
• Farming
• Woodworking
• Cold air
• Strong emotions and stress

Medications causing Asthma

Yes, its true certain medications can cause asthma. They include:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Beta-blockers used for the treatment of heart diseases, glaucoma and hypertension
• Naproxen
• Indomethacin
• Sulfites used in foods or beverages

Other Factors causing Asthma

There are many other factors that can cause asthma. They include:

• Pregnancy
• Menstration [Menstruation]
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Sinus infections
• Viral infections
• Physical exertion
• Lack of exercise may cause asthma. Reduced exercise results in less stretching of airways. This causes the muscles of the airways to contract abnormally when exposed to environmental factors like allergens or irritants.