The Main Causes Of Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is now a condition that affects millions of people in the western world. It can be found in adults as well as children and both sexes. In simple terms it is a chronic respiratory condition that results in a narrowing of the airways which in turn makes it very difficult to breathe.

Unfortunately there is no real cure for the disease, the best options for treatment usually involve building a lifestyle in which the triggers for attacks are kept to a minimum. People who suffer with allergic asthma will already be aware of the major discomfort that is caused by coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

An allergen causes a reaction in the bronchi which reacts by inflammation and excessive mucus production. The actual allergens and environmental factors that lead to an attack occurring can be many and varied. The most common triggers are discussed below.

Many people today suffer from an asthmatic allergy to house dust. Unfortunately as there is now a trend to live in sealed houses that have very little movement of air there is a tendency for dust to build up over furnishings. This dust is the remnants of dead skin cells, food, insects, human hair, and the like. In most cases it may not be visible to the naked eye though it may be seen when sunlight enters a room. This dust becomes a breeding ground for various mites which are in fact the cause of the asthma attack.

Another common cause of asthma are plant pollens. These small powdery like grains are essential for the plants to reproduce themselves. They are transported by wind or water and also by animals and insects. As there are many different kinds of pollen not all would cause an asthma attack. Most plant pollen is released in the early morning as the sun is rising. If you know that your asthma becomes worse at a certain time of the spring or summer it may be down to pollen.

Fungi can also be an asthmatic trigger. It is the spores that they release which can cause an attack to take place. If your home has any dampness then there may be fungal growths and mold on the surfaces of walls and ceilings that cause a severe respiratory problem. It is also possible to suffer an asthmatic attack from fungal spores carried on the wind. Even the soil of potted plants can be a medium in which fungi grow and thrive.

It is possible that an asthmatic attack can be caused by an inhalation of animal hair. Many people find that they have problems when in close proximity to cats and dogs. It can also be the case that other fur covered species such as horses and cows can cause a trigger.

There is also the risk of allergic asthma being caused by occupational substances. For example if employed in the construction trade, exposure to cement or lime may lead to difficulty in breathing. It is also possible to develop problems relating to specific chemicals used in a variety of jobs.