Causes of asthma: possible triggers and how to prevent it

Possible asthma triggers

Possible causes of asthma include increased susceptibility to inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchi (lower respiratory tract). Another cause can be thickened or chronically inflamed bronchial mucosa.

Causes of asthma in children

In children, asthma is often triggered by allergies. The exact cause of allergies is still not fully understood, but genes are known to play a key role. In many cases, asthma symptoms greatly ease or even disappear as children get older.

Triggers of allergic asthma

Causes of allergic asthma include allergens from house dust mites, animals (dogs, guinea pigs, cat allergy, etc.), pollen and mould spores. In teenagers and adults, workplace substances can also cause allergic asthma – for example, flour dust in bakeries.

Asthma without allergies: What are other potential causes?

Non-allergic asthma often doesn't appear until adulthood. The cause of asthma in adults is often unclear, but it's usually linked to chronic rhinitis and/or inflammation of the sinuses. Intense physical exertion, stress, infections, reactions to certain medications or chemical irritants can all affect asthma too.

What is asthma exactly?

Asthma is a disease of the airways in which the bronchial tubes are chronically inflamed. This makes them hypersensitive to external stimuli like cold air or smoke. The muscles around the airways tighten and cramp, while the bronchial lining swells, narrowing the airways even further. Patients then suffer from a dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath.

Asthma affects everyone differently

The degree and severity of symptoms vary widely. In some people, asthma symptoms like shortness of breath or a persistent cough are only triggered after extreme physical exertion.

What you can do yourself if you have asthma

When it comes to asthma, taking responsibility for your own health is key. With the right knowledge, people with asthma can do a great deal to keep the condition under control. Here are some simple but effective everyday tips:

Understand and monitor your asthma

• Learn about your condition and get to know your typical triggers.
• Keep an asthma diary: write down symptoms, medication use and peak flow readings.
• Use a peak flow meter regularly to measure your airflow and detect any worsening of symptoms early.

Use medication correctly

• Always keep enough medication in stock, including when you’re on holiday.
• Inhale your medication correctly: after inhaling, rinse your mouth, brush your teeth and wash your face.
• Avoid applying oily creams to your face before inhaling, as this can help prevent skin irritation from any medication residue.
  

Avoid triggers wherever possible

• Stay away from allergens such as house dust mites, pollen or animal hair.
• A smoke-free environment is important, as passive smoking can also make symptoms worse.
  

Strengthen the body

• Do regular exercise, ideally out in the fresh air.
• Sport isn't only allowed, but actively encouraged. Especially good options are swimming, rowing and interval training.

Can asthma be prevented?

Even if someone is genetically predisposed to asthma, there are steps they can take to reduce their risk. This especially applies to people who react to airborne allergens like pollen or dust mites.

Asthma risk: factors you can control

It's important to avoid irritants wherever possible. Smoking (including passive smoking) is one of the biggest risk factors. Exhaust fumes and cold air can also contribute to asthma. Make sure to stay well hydrated and look after your respiratory system and dental health to avoid infections.

Risk factors affecting the development of asthma and its course

• genetic susceptibility
• being overweight
• allergens (substances that trigger an allergy)
• infections of the respiratory tract
• environmental factors (e.g. exhaust fumes, sprays)
• harmful substances at work (e.g. in agriculture, painting, cleaning)
• tobacco smoke
• medication

When should I see a doctor for asthma?

Even if you’re feeling well and not currently experiencing symptoms, regular asthma check-ups are still important. This ensures your treatment can be adjusted if needed and any worsening symptoms counteracted early on.

Be sure to see your doctor in these situations

• After a severe asthma attack, as your treatment should be reviewed together with your doctor
• If you get a respiratory infection, such as a cough or bronchitis, and especially if your asthma worsens as a result
  

Go straight to a doctor or hospital in these emergencies

• Severe shortness of breath, especially in children under the age of 12
• Your medication doesn’t help – i.e. no improvement despite using your inhaler or breathing techniques
• You have a particularly severe asthma attack that can’t be brought under control as usual (a condition known as status asthmaticus)