Although asthma is not a curable condition, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this chronic disorder. Some people may be born with risk factors that may predispose them to asthma symptoms, while other risk factors may be a result of the environment, occupational hazards or personal behaviors. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the risk factors for asthma.
Family history
People who have a family history of asthma may have a susceptibility to asthma triggers or inflammation of the airways.
Infections
Frequent or severe respiratory infections during childhood, such as colds, pneumonia or bronchitis, are risk factors for asthma.
Smoke
Regular exposure to smoke from tobacco products, such as on-the-job exposure or living with a smoker, can increase the risk of asthma symptoms.
Air Pollution
Air pollution from factories, car and truck exhaust and particulate matter can increase the risk of developing asthma, especially for people who live in big cities.
Chemicals
Chemicals in products such as pesticide sprays, toiletries, and household and industrial cleaners, can increase the risk of asthma, especially if exposure is long term.
Overweight
People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing asthma due to the increased amount of work the lungs and heart have to do to supply the body with air.
Premature Births
Babies that are born prematurely have a higher risk of asthma as they grow up due to delayed development of the lungs.
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