Age: Childhood Asthma is more common in boys than girls but around the age of 20, the ratio of between male and females is the same.
Genetics: A strong family history of parents with Asthma predisposes the child to the disease.
Allergens: Exposure to allergens like animal proteins (particularly cat and dog allergens), dust mites, cockroaches, fungi, and mold, pollens can induce asthma attacks.
Atopy: Some individuals develop hyper responsiveness (atopy) to certain diseases like Allergic Rhinitis, Eczema, Sinusitis and Allergic Conjunctivitis that contribute to Asthma.
Food allergies: Allergies to certain foods like milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts can induce allergic reactions. Sulfite additives, such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfate used in food processing may trigger Asthma in sensitive individuals.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke affects airways that could promote exacerbation of Asthma. Smoking during pregnancy and even post-delivery is very harmful to the child.
Occupation: Some people may develop Asthma because of contact with certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace.
