Asthma is a condition that affects the airways due to several internal and external factors. This results to irritation and inflammation of the breathing passages, which means more narrow airways and more mucus production. This makes air flow in and out of the lungs difficult. Because of this condition, asthma is also known as an obstructive lung disease. Asthma has several symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. If you have asthma, you have to learn how to live with it as there are no cures for the disease. You can get asthma attacks anytime and anywhere when you get exposed to anything that triggers it. But on the brighter side, you can control it with the proper treatment. In order to avoid frequent asthma attacks, below are some of its possible causes.
- Genetics play a role in developing asthma. If you have relatives who have the disease, you are at greater risk of inheriting it as well. To manage the probability of getting asthma, you should visit the doctor for early diagnosis and treatment, if needed.
- Having an inactive lifestyle can cause asthma attacks. Airways are not stretched when you do not exercise or engage in physical activities. Also, being unhealthy can trigger abnormal muscle contraction in the airway walls. To stay fit and healthy, daily exercise is needed.
- Unhealthy diet also contributes to frequent asthma attacks. This includes intake of salt and processed food in large amounts, and lack in antioxidant and omega 3 fatty acids found in fish.
- Infections like colds and flu can cause irritation in the breathing passages, thus prompting asthma.
- Another factor that increases the possibility of inducing asthma is dust mites. The breeding places of such can be just anywhere in the house like the carpets, beddings, and furnishings. Cleaning the entire house regularly is a must to avoid the disease.
- When pregnant mothers are exposed to tobacco smoke, their children are at greater risk of developing asthma.
- Medications such as beta-blockers and aspirins could also cause attacks, depending on the patient’s condition. Consultation to a physician is advised before taking any drugs.
- In adults, there is such thing as occupational exposure, where they can develop asthma because of their workplace. Substances that could trigger the disease are dusts, pollens, gases, chemicals, moulds, and many more. There are several industries that are more exposed to such irritants like woodworking, farming, car painting, baking, and chemical laboratories.