Just what causes asthma remains something of a mystery. Unfortunately, this condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated, as many people don’t even know they’re asthma sufferers.
It’s regularly confused with other bronchial infections and doesn’t always “present” in a straightforward way, making diagnosis difficult. But you are more likely to develop asthma if members of your family suffer from allergies, or have asthma themselves. It also appears to occur more regularly in people who are overweight.
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Sometimes asthma occurs in conjunction with other conditions including:
infection of the sinuses (sinusitis);
soft, round mucous-producing tissues that project into the nasal passages (nasal polyps) ;
reflux (back flow) of stomach contents into the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach (gastroesophageal reflux disease) ;
reactions to medications (aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
But asthma attacks are most commonly triggered by allergies to harmless stimuli like pollen, dog and cat dander, cockroaches, dust mites, mold and mildew. An allergic reaction is implicated in about 90% of childhood asthma attacks and at least 50% of adult attacks. This allergic reaction causes the lining of the airways (bronchi) in the lungs to become inflamed and swollen and the muscles of the walls of the airways go into spasm. As the airways narrow, it makes breathing difficult. The bronchial tubes then secrete mucus, which limits the airflow even further. Once you have asthma, home and workplace chemicals, tobacco smoke, fatigue, cold air, stress and exercise can trigger an attack.
Asthma in adults can often be connected to the work they do and this is referred to as occupational asthma. Working with plastic resins, wood dust, grains, insecticides, and metals can make you susceptible to developing asthma later in life. But even cleaning products and work-related chemicals, including those used in photocopiers may make you vulnerable. What you probably don’t know is that new carpeting and furnishings often release formaldehyde, a common asthma trigger. If your office (or home) is being redecorated, increase ventilation to hasten formaldehyde dissipation. Adding potted plants to your workplace can also help clear pollutants.
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