What causes asthma?

Asthma is a complex disease and as such there is no one single cause. Generally speaking, asthma is triggered by the irritation of the airway, either by inhaling an allergen, exposure to cold air or exercise. This irritation leads to the airway becoming inflamed and the muscle tissue going in to spasms, leading to difficulty breathing.

However it is not strictly correct to say that exercise or allergies cause asthma, as in most people they do not. Some asthmatics have an underlying disorder which causes their airway to react differently to challenges like inhaling smoke or exercising, than does the airway of a normal person.

So what is the difference between the asthma sufferer and the rest of us? Well one explanation is genetic factors, which cause the asthmatic to be ‘hypersensitive’ to the irritant. 

Another factor is the environment - in the wealthier first world countries the relatively greater levels of hygiene means that levels of exposure to potential triggers such as house dust mites is reduced. Diet is also associated with risk for developing asthma and certain foods such as cheese and red wine are known to trigger attacks. 

Regular exercise helps to keep the muscles of the airway stretched making them less prone to spasm. And finally, consider the risk of occupational exposure – does your workplace contain pollutants which might cause airway damage? 

If so then you are at increased risk for becoming asthmatic and should consider taking appropriate precautions immediately. This means seeing a doctor to work out the best plan of action to take for your asthma symptoms.