Why is asthma more prevalent in the western world? What is the cause of asthma? Why is it that some people develop asthma, while others don’t?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by a difficulty in breathing. Those who suffer with asthma have extra sensitive and/or hyper-responsive airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the airways become irritated for one of several reasons and react by becoming narrow and constricted. There is an increased resistance to airflow and an obstruction of air passing to and from the lungs. People with asthma find it hard to breathe.
Asthma is not a contagious condition, so you cannot catch asthma from another person. You can, however, inherit the asthma tendency from your parents. Adults with asthma, however, should not worry about their future children unless they have a severe form. In this case, the concerns should be discussed with a medical doctor.
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Studies show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of non-smoking parents. Also, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with smaller airways. This greatly increases their chances of developing this disease.
Researchers believe that the “westernized” environment and lifestyle of developed countries has a lot to do with the possibility of developing asthma. For example, many people believe that air pollution has an affect on the development of asthma, although the evidence is surprisingly weak.
Allergies to house dust mites, dogs, cats and molds are known causes of asthma.
Childhood infections and exposure to substances from bacteria caused by a dirty environment seem to protect against allergies. This seems to be the main reason why richer populations have more allergic disease.
Understanding the causes of asthma can be complicating. Our genes can cause asthma, as can exposure to allergens. The environment also dictates whether these factors will amount to trouble at some time during our lives. However, it may not be quite as complicated as it sounds.
Most asthmas cases in young people are the results of allergies. If you have asthma, you probably inherited genes which make it possible for you to develop the disease. You also have allergy-producing elements in your environment, such as house dust mites, cats or dogs. Allergies and genes both contribute to asthma. If either element is absent, you will not develop asthma.
What about the head colds, laughter, exercise and tobacco smoke that can bring on an asthma attack, even if those elements in the last paragraph are not in place?
You can’t stop laughing and quit exercising, just to cure your asthma. These are not causes of the disease. They are simply causes of the asthma attack.
The type of interior house paint you use may contribute to the worsening of an asthma condition. Glossy oil paints used for home decorating can bring on asthma attacks. Fortunately, emulsion paints don’t seem to cause this reaction.
Polyurethane paint is usually recognizable because it comes in two packs that need to be mixed together before use. This type of paint can cause occupational asthma in people who use it regularly. However, they probably don’t cause much risk with infrequent use. When using paints and chemicals, it is always a good idea to work in a well-ventilated area.
Many things can worsen asthma, but they are not necessarily causes of the disease. You may not be able to cure your asthma by knowing its causes, but this knowledge can certainly help you to avoid an attack. Read and research, and stay in the know about the causes and concerns of asthma sufferers.
Tagged with: asthma attack • asthma triggers
Filed under: Asthma