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Young World
WORLD OF SCIENCE
Causes of asthma
DR. T. V. PADMA
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Here are some things that can trigger an attack.
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Photo: AP
Air pollutants : Causing irritation.
We do not know the precise cause of asthma. It can develop at any age. It seems to have a genetic component. Since chronic inflammation of the airways is a characteristic of breathing passages, the things which make it worse can be identified by close observation.
Substances which could irritate the nose, throat or breathing passages may trigger asthma attacks. Some examples are: tobacco smoke, smoke from kerosene stoves or wood-burning stoves, dust, and aerosol sprays.
Allergies do not cause asthma, but they can make asthma more severe. Common allergens are: pollen, dust mites, mould, animal hair, animal excretions (such as urine, faeces, saliva), cockroach excretions.
Common allergens
Trees, shrubs, grasses, and flowers are some sources of pollen. Some foods can trigger allergies. Infections, especially respiratory infections, could make asthma worse. Even the common cold can worsen the situation for asthmatics.
Sinusitis can aggravate asthma. In some cases, exercise affects asthmatics. Prolonged exercise that makes an asthmatic too tired, and excessively stressful exercise that causes shortness of breath or a coughing attack could trigger asthma. Exercise has many benefits, however, so asthmatics may want to exercise with caution, and make mild to moderate exercise a part of their regimen, avoiding stressful and prolonged bouts of exertion.
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