Causes of asthma

Introduction

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease associated with hypersensitivity of the airways. Various triggers lead to seizure-like symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing. There are numerous possible triggers that can vary from patient to patient. A rough distinction is made between allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma. In many patients, however, a mixture of both types occurs.

These are the typical causes of an asthma attack

In bronchial asthma, recurrent inflammation of the bronchi, i.e. part of the airways, occurs. These inflammations make the bronchial mucosa excessively sensitive and even small triggers can lead to an asthma attack. In such an asthma attack, a stimulus due to the pre-damage of the bronchial mucosa causes a swelling and a narrowing of the airways and an increased production of mucus.

The consequences are sudden shortness of breath and coughing with viscous expulsion of mucus. Numerous triggers can be the cause of such an acute asthma attack. Typical triggers of allergic asthma are pollen, faeces of house dust mites, fungal spores or animal hair. Typical triggers of non-allergic asthma are exertion, infections and certain drugs. The most common causes are listed here: Allergenic allergy Exertion Cold Medicines Chemical irritants Air pollutants such as exhaust fumes Tobacco smoke Infections Gastroesophageal reflux Stress

  • Allergen Allergy
  • Effort
  • Cold
  • Drugs
  • Chemical irritants
  • Air pollutants like exhaust gases
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Infects
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Stress

Allergens as cause

Various allergens can trigger asthma attacks. Allergens are substances that are not dangerous in themselves, but to which the body reacts very sensitively with an excessive reaction of the immune system. A typical example of an allergen that can trigger allergic asthma is pollen.

These can not only trigger the typical hay fever, but are also the cause of asthma attacks in some people. Other allergens can occur, for example, especially in certain professional environments. These include allergens such as flour dust, wood dust as well as paint and solvents. Animal hair and bird feathers can also be potential allergens. Furthermore, allergens such as the excrement of house dust mites, spores of molds and certain foods can trigger an asthma attack.