There are no exact causes of asthma known in the modern medicine. Many professionals in the field of medicine believe that asthma is caused by different factors. Some of these factors can be controlled while some of which cannot such as genetic factors. If you are born to parents who are asthmatic, or those who have had respiratory infection during childhood, then you’ll likely have the higher risk of developing the condition.
Exposure to irritants and allergens will also make a human being more prone to asthma. Some allergens which are responsible for asthma includes pollens and dust in the house, air pollution, smoke, strong perfumes, etc. Also, our sophisticated hygiene practices such as the use of antibacterial soaps may also contribute to asthma development.
The factors that leads to developing asthma are largely linked with alleged causes. Being exposed to environmental pollutants, having allergies and frequent bouts of wheezing are the most prominent risk. Among children, boys are the more at risk to develop asthma compared to girls while among adults, women tend to develop this condition than men. The existence of this gender discrepancies is still unclear.
Top environmental factors for the development of asthma
- cold weather
- pet dander
- household cleaners
- grass pollen
- house dust mites
- mold
- air pollution
- strong perfumes, cologne
- smoke
- air refreshers
- oil-based paint
- toilet paper, paper towels and tissues
- chlorine
- sulfides
- hair sprays and hair gels