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Asthma Symptoms |
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Wheezing
Tightness in chest
Difficulty breathing
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Risk Factors
While science does not know why some individuals have a heightened sensitivity to irritants and allergens that trigger asthma, research indicates heredity plays a strong role. Families with one asthmatic parent were three times as likely and families with two asthmatic parents were six times as likely to have a child with asthma.
Once someone has asthma - whether it comes on in childhood or adulthood - the presence of several types of triggers heightens the risk of an asthma attack. These include:
- Allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold and pollen
- Cold weather
- Exercise
- Airborne irritants such as chemical fumes, tobacco and wood stove smoke
- Respiratory infections
- Emotions, such as laughing, crying and stress
In the Encyclopedia:
Allergic rhinitis
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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