Understanding Asthma Causes ... What Is The Root Of Your Breathing Problems?

While identifying asthma causes is difficult if not impossible, it is important to realize that there are some factors that predispose certain people to this problem.

Asthma is an inflammatory condition where your bronchiales constrict causing breathing difficulties. Your bronchioles become inflamed for a variety of physical, emotional and environmental reasons.   It is not contagious so, you cannot catch it from another person.

For many people, it becomes prevalent in early childhood or onset as an adult. Although it may be similar to other respiratory diseases, it has unique characteristics. This article will explain some of the reasons asthma attacks occur and will show you how to handle them. This will make them easier to deal with.

But what is the real causes of asthma?

Top Causes Of Asthma That You Need To Know About

Doctors agree that there is no one factor that produces asthma symptoms. Asthma causes sufferers to wheeze or cough and an obstruction in the airways can cause shortness of breath.  The possible causes include:

Hereditary: Your Genes May Be Part Of The Problem

You can contract asthma through genetics or through environmental conditions. If anyone in your family history had asthma, pay attention to signs of it in you or your children. Air pollutants like smoke and mold spores can trigger an asthma attack, so keep your home clean to avoid irritation.

Hereditary can play a major factor in the development of asthma. A family history of this disease can be one likely cause. It can transfer itself from the genes of afflicted parents and present itself in offspring. 

Specific genes have been linked to individuals who are more likely to have this illness. 

For this reason, it is a good idea to find if you have any family members who have suffered from this illness. Some people are born with the tendency to have asthma.

Environmental Factors: Possible Asthma Triggers To Watch

If someone closely related has asthma, you need to pay special attention to asthma-like symptoms your or your children have. Possible sources that cause asthma include a either genes, environmental aspects or a mix of the two. 

Possible sources that trigger asthma include a either genes, environmental aspects or a mix of the two.

Irritants in the environment, including smoke, pollution, dust and mold, can also contribute to asthma development, so you should minimize your family's exposure to these substances.

Certain environmental triggers could be the reason for the onset of this disease as well. When an individual interacts with the environment, there are many pollutants such as smoke, dust, or chemicals that can start an attack. One example is the feces of dust mites that are present in the bedding of every home. 

But there are ways to prevent asthma attacks in the home. For example, laundering bed linen and draperies often will reduce the chances of dust mites causing problems for an asthmatic. Removing carpeting and replacing it with linoleum, hardwood or laminate is another solution. Although they may seem simple, these small changes can provide major results.

Asthma And Allergies: Are They Part Of The Riddle?

Allergies are another common asthma cause. Airborne allergens, which cause a hyper-reaction in certain individuals, are a contributing factor for many people. Pet dander is a common allergen that is found in many homes with an animal.

Causes of asthma include allergies to house dust mites, cats, dogs, and mold.  Childhood infections and exposure to substances from bacteria in a dirty environment seem to protect against allergies, and this seems to be the main reason why richer populations have more allergic disease.

But sometimes it is difficult to control or eliminate from the environment without permanently removing the pet from the home. Restricting pet presence in the bedroom and bathing the animal frequently can definitely make the environment safer for the asthma sufferer. Other common allergens include pollen, dust, mold, smoke and shellfish. 

Your Immune Response: A Great Defender And A Potential Threat

The immune response has a great influence upon the development of asthma. The body's natural response to an invader can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. Although the immune system is necessary in every human, it can be a problem when it comes to asthma and allergies.

During an asthma attack, a person's immune system does not work correctly or is weakened because of some other condition.  Maybe he or she is a poor eater and just isn't getting the nutrition to stay healthy.  This can weaken the immune system and cause it to behave erratically.  

In either case, the immune system becomes what we call "hyperactive" during an asthma attack.  This results in the immune system identifying quite harmless substances as enemies. It then reacts totally out of proportion to the threat itself.

When the immune system over-reacts to a problem, it can cause bronchial spasms and start the over production of mucus. This blocks airways and cause breathing difficulties.

Although it is the job of the immune system to protect, this can become lethal when an antigen sets off this defense mechanism prematurely.

Bronchial Asthma May Be Another Thing To Think About

Exposure to respiratory infections or viruses in infancy and childhood can cause asthma to surface in some individuals.

Acute bronchitis which is a serious infection of the lungs can be very difficult to diagnose. 

The symptoms it generates are also characteristic to many other respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, sinusitis). Acute bronchitis can be effectively diagnosed only through the means of elaborate physical examinations and laboratory analyses.

Studies have shown that viruses can alter the nervous system of the lungs and serve as an unknown asthma cause. And this can lead to tightening of the lung airways. As a result the lungs become more sensitive and an individual begins to suffer from asthma attacks.

While the exact causes of asthma are difficult to isolate, each person has a unique set of triggers. What may cause an attack in one person may prove harmless in another. But the good news is that asthma can be controlled with the avoidance of triggers and correct treatment plan.

Fight Asthma … No Matter What The Cause 

There isn’t anything that can be done to remove the heredity factor for asthma, but the disease is highly treatable. You can't cure your asthma by not doing exercise, or by not laughing.  

When managing asthma attacks, it is important to construct an effective management plan for dealing with an attack once it begins. By being properly prepared, you are better able to handle your asthma. You should visit your doctor immediately if you are concerned you may be suffering with asthma. 

Once you know what sets your asthma off, you can keep attacks from happening as frequently. Write down potential asthma triggers in a journal and talk to your doctor about them. Many people have success controlling their asthma by eliminating known asthma triggers.

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

Asthma does not have to leave you breathless. Even though it can be difficult to live with, it can be successfully controlled.  With the right therapy, you can take your life back. If you want to learn about different medical treatments and natural remedies, take a peek at:

An Easy Definition...	Do I Have Asthma?	Asthma Symptoms
Science Of An Asthma Attack	Causes Of Asthma	Severe Asthma
Complications Of Asthma	Allergies And Asthma	Stress And Asthma

Bronchitis And Asthma: What Is The Difference

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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