What Causes Asthma?

It's important to learn what causes asthma so you can eliminate as many triggers as possible. While asthma can be a hereditary condition, it is usually also influenced by environmental factors. Many cases of asthma are actually allergic asthma, which means the asthma attacks are triggered by an allergic reactions to something in the environment. By changing the environment, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma episodes.

Tracking Attacks
Figuring out asthma triggers can take a long time. It's a good idea to work with an experienced allergist to narrow down your triggers and find ways to manage them. Allergies are usually tested by injecting a tiny amount of a potential allergen and seeing if there is a reaction.

In addition to medical care, you should keep track of what's happening around you when you experience an asthma attack.
Keep a log of when and where you experience difficulty breathing. Note the day and date, the time of day, where you are and what you're doing. Make note of anything that's different or unusual in your environment, including new flooring or furniture, pets, new clothes, blooming plants or flowers and the weather outside. Over time, you may start to notice patterns in your asthma attacks. Share this information with your doctor, as it can help in diagnosis.

Some of the most common causes of allergic asthma attacks include the following:

• Dust Mites: To reduce the number of dust mites in your home, rip out carpet and put in hardwood floors, linoleum or tiles. Change bedding frequently and vacuum the mattress often. Wash bedding in hot, soapy water every week. Dust often, using a cloth that will trap dust, not spread it. Use a HEPA filter in your vacuum cleaner and in air conditioners.
• Pet Dander: Keep pets out of your bedroom and limit them to rooms that have hardwood floors, tile or linoleum. Shampoo pets often. Ask an allergist about treatments that may reduce pet allergies.
• Pollen: Keep your windows closed during high pollen seasons and install an air purifier or HEPA filter in your heating and air conditioner system. Limit outdoor activities when the pollen count is high.
• Mold and Mildew: Kill mold and mildew with bleach solutions. Use a dehumidifier in areas where mold and mildew grow. Consider repainting walls with a paint that prevents mildew from growing.
• Chemicals: Open windows when using chemicals that trigger asthma attacks. Find out which specific chemicals cause a reaction, and look for products that replace these chemicals with natural alternatives.

Sometimes asthma is triggered by a change in environment. Some common changes that may induce an asthma attack include the following:

• Change in Air Temperature: Many asthmatics are especially sensitive to cold air. Wear a facemask to warm air before it gets into your lungs on very cold days. Limit outdoor activities when the temperature is below freezing.
• Change in Humidity Level: Some asthmatics are sensitive to hot, humid weather. You may need to reduce physical activity on humid days and use a dehumidifier in your home to keep the air drier.
• Physical Exercise: While gentle exercise is good for asthmatics, you'll need to watch intense exercise, especially when other triggers are present.
• Stress: Some asthmatics react poorly to stress and will experience an asthma attack as a response.

Whether the cause of your asthma attacks is a specific allergy, changes in temperature or humidity or excessive stress, there are things you can do to prevent attacks and reduce the severity of attacks that do occur. Having asthma doesn't mean that you're destined to be on the sidelines. Asthmatics can live active lives by keeping an eye out for triggers and using medication to manage the condition.