Thursday, June 16, 2011

Asthma in children - Causes and risk factors

Asthma translates to an abnormal response to various stimuli to the airway. During a crisis, bronchial opening is reduced due to inflammatory reactions and musclecontractions around the bronchi.
Triggers such as cigarette smoke or allergens, can cause constriction of muscles, causing asthma symptoms.

Triggers vary from person to person and are generally:
  - Air allergens (dust, pollen, dust mites, animal hair and dander, mold)
  - Pollutants (cigarette smoke, industrial pollution, etc.)
  - Foods
  - Other factors: upper airway infections, rhinitis or sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, changes in temperature or cold air
 
Risk Factors

Environmental and genetic factors may increase the risk of asthma in children. Family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), urticaria or eczema is a risk factor forasthma.

Environmental factors are:
  - Allergic reactions to various allergens previous
  - Exposure to cigarette smoke
  - Exposure to industrial pollution - especially for children living in large cities
  - Low birth weight
  - obesity

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