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Asthma in Teens and Adults - Cause
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Overview
-
Health Tools
- FAQs
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When to Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Living With Asthma
- Medications
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
The cause of
asthma is not known. Health experts believe that
inherited, environmental, and
immune system factors combine to cause
inflammation 
of the bronchial tubes, which carry air
to the lungs. This can lead to asthma and
asthma attacks.
- Asthma may run in families (be inherited). If this is the case in your family, you may be more likely than other people to develop long-lasting (chronic) inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
- In some people, immune system cells release chemicals that cause inflammation in response to certain substances (allergens) that cause allergic reactions. Studies show that exposure to allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, and animal dander may influence asthma’s development.1 Asthma is much more common in people with allergies, although not all those who have allergies develop asthma. And not all people with asthma have allergies.
- Environmental factors and today's germ-conscious lifestyle may play a role in the development of asthma. Some experts believe that there are more cases of asthma because of pollution and less exposure to certain types of bacteria or infections.2 As a result, children's immune systems may develop in a way that makes it more likely they will also develop allergies and asthma.
Asthma in adults also can be related to work (occupational asthma). Being around animals, plastic resin, wood dust, grain dust, insecticides, and metals can cause asthma, usually because your immune system reacts to the material. Some people continue to have asthma symptoms even after they are no longer exposed to what caused the symptoms. But for many people, symptoms will get better or go away when they are away from the asthma trigger.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: February 13, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Rohit K Katial, MD - Allergy and Immunology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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