UNDERSTANDING
ASTHMA
ASTHMA CAUSES AND TRIGGERS
Causes
To date, there is no strong scientific evidence on what specifically causes a person to develop Asthma and it could be a single cause or a combination of various causes. What we do know is that Asthma often runs in families, therefore there is a genetic link to Asthma that makes some people more prone to develop Asthma. 2,6
Another cause investigated in detail is tobacco smoke. Mothers who smoke while pregnant expose their unborn child to cigarette smoke while in the womb, as well as in their early years of life. Such a child has a much higher risk of developing Asthma symptoms early, while the smoke also interferes with the growth and health of the child’s lungs. 3
When children have lung infections early in life while the immune system is still being developed, it may cause Asthma later in life. 6
Some people develop Asthma later in life, and this is called “late-onset” or “occupational” Asthma. Occupational Asthma develops when a person is exposed to chemicals or dust through their type of work which may damage or irritate the lungs. 1,6
If a person has allergies, there is a good chance they may also develop Asthma, although this is not always the case. 6
Living with Asthma
It is possible to live well with Asthma if you manage it. That means you need a doctor trained to treat Asthma, a treatment plan and to stick with that plan.
Triggers
The most common triggers are: 1,7
Respiratory Infections
Viral or bacterial respiratory infections, like a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Allergies
Allergen exposure – e.g. pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, fungal spores and food allergies.
Pollution & Smoke
Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates Asthma; as does air pollution, strong odours or
fumes.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes,
and exposure to cold,
dry air.
Physical Exercise
Medication
Medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen for pain, and beta-blockers used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure,
migraine headaches or glaucoma.
Acid Reflux
Some conditions such as
acid reflux, with
or without heartburn.
Anxiety & Stress
Emotional anxiety and stress may also
increase Asthma symptoms and trigger
an attack.
Respiratory Infections
Viral or bacterial respiratory infections, like a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Allergies
Allergen exposure – e.g. pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, fungal spores and food allergies.
Pollution & Smoke
Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates Asthma; as does air pollution, strong odours or
fumes.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes,
and exposure to cold,
dry air.
Physical Exercise
Some patients experience
symptoms during physical
exercise.
Medication
Medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen for pain, and beta-blockers used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure,
migraine headaches or glaucoma.
Acid Reflux
Some conditions such as
acid reflux, with
or without heartburn.
Anxiety & Stress
Emotional anxiety and stress may also
increase Asthma symptoms and trigger
an attack.
An Asthma attack is often triggered by an external agent, but it may also be due to poor adherence with medication.
Find out more
What is Asthma?
Understanding Asthma will ensure you can live your life without worrying about the impact of the condition.
People at risk
Although we know that cigarette smoke and dust at work could possibly cause Asthma, there are otherfactors that may increase your risk.
Symptoms of Asthma
A person with Asthma generally experiences more than one symptom at a time.
