| Asthma is a disease where the tissues that line the | | | | developed. |
| bronchial tubes become inflamed and swollen. As a | | | | Once the sensitivity is there, the asthma sufferer will |
| result of the condition, the air passage for the flow | | | | begin to discover that different triggers in their |
| of air into and out from the lungs become narrow | | | | environment can bring on an attack. The impact of |
| thereby causing difficulty in breathing. Ironically, the | | | | these triggers will differ from one individual to |
| researchers know 'what' happens but they do not | | | | another. Some common allergens that can cause such |
| fully understand 'why' the condition mentioned above | | | | severe immune responses are animal dander, mold, |
| happens. Hence, a lot of research are presently being | | | | pollen, cockroaches and dust mites. Likewise, some |
| conducted to understand the causes of asthma in | | | | environmental substances that can irritate the bronchi |
| the hope to find a cure for it. | | | | are paint fumes, smog, smoke (both tobacco and |
| It is generally believed that asthma is heredity. That | | | | otherwise), strong scents from perfumes, cooking |
| is, if someone in the family has asthma then there is | | | | odors, and even cold or heavy humid air. |
| a high possibility that another member of the family | | | | In certain cases, exercise or even experiencing a |
| may develop asthma as well. Studies have shown a | | | | strong emotional response, be it in the form of |
| high correlation with developing asthma in families | | | | hearty laughter or tears, can trigger a reaction that |
| that generally suffer from other allergic conditions | | | | irritates and tightens the airways. There are some |
| such as hay fever or eczema. Hence, the relationship | | | | sufferers who also suffer from reflux disease find |
| between genetic and the development of asthma | | | | the condition contributes to worsening of their |
| cannot be overlooked. Conversely, other research | | | | asthma, especially at night. Certain drugs such as |
| have shown that a child exposed to excessive | | | | aspirin and beta blockers can also cause inflammation |
| pollutants at very early stages of development, such | | | | of the airways as well. |
| as tobacco smoke as an example, has a higher | | | | As the type and number of triggers may vary, all |
| probability of developing asthma at later stages of his | | | | asthma sufferer must exercise extreme caution to |
| life. Other factors, such as severe infections are also | | | | their environment, especially those suffering from |
| shown to play a role in the development of asthma. | | | | chronic asthma and venturing into a new or foreign |
| Whatever the initial factor that creates the | | | | environment. Planning in advance for any outings and |
| vulnerability, there is no doubt that environmental | | | | visits is necessary. A thorough understanding of the |
| pollutants contribute heavily to worsening the | | | | causes of asthma definitely help in reducing the |
| condition. Even healthy lungs and passage ways can | | | | incidences of asthma attacks. Likewise, a calm plan of |
| be damaged over time by pollutants alone. So | | | | action is necessary to reduce the anxiety and |
| ultimately, each individual's medical history will be | | | | possibly a lessening of the severity of the attack. |
| unique in determining just how the disease may have | | | | |