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UNDERSTANDING
ASTHMA

ASTHMA CAUSES AND TRIGGERS

Causes

To understand why you may have this condition, it’s important to unpack some of the main causes of Asthma.
To date, there is no strong scientific evidence on what specifically causes a person to develop Asthma and it could be a single cause or a combination of various causes. What we do know is that Asthma often runs in families, therefore there is a genetic link to Asthma that makes some people more prone to develop Asthma. 2,6

Another cause investigated in detail is tobacco smoke. Mothers who smoke while pregnant expose their unborn child to cigarette smoke while in the womb, as well as in their early years of life. Such a child has a much higher risk of developing Asthma symptoms early, while the smoke also interferes with the growth and health of the child’s lungs. 3

When children have lung infections early in life while the immune system is still being developed, it may cause Asthma later in life. 6

Some people develop Asthma later in life, and this is called “late-onset” or “occupational” Asthma. Occupational Asthma develops when a person is exposed to chemicals or dust through their type of work which may damage or irritate the lungs. 1,6

If a person has allergies, there is a good chance they may also develop Asthma, although this is not always the case. 6

Living with Asthma

It is possible to live well with Asthma if you manage it. That means you need a doctor trained to treat Asthma, a treatment plan and to stick with that plan.

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Triggers

Asthma is often described as an allergic disease where allergens are thought to trigger an attack. However, it seems that exposure to various other elements not generally regarded as allergens may also trigger an attack. 1

The most common triggers are: 1,7

Allergens Exposure Icon
Pollution & Smoke Icon
Seasonal Changes Icon

Respiratory Infections

Viral or bacterial respiratory infections, like a cold, the flu or sinusitis.

Allergies

Allergen exposure – e.g. pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, fungal spores and food allergies.

Pollution & Smoke

Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates Asthma; as does air pollution, strong odours or fumes.

Seasonal Changes

Seasonal changes, and exposure to cold, dry air.
Physical Exercise Icon
TAB 1_Icon 6
Acid Reflux Icon
Anxiety & Stress Icon

Physical Exercise

Some patients experience symptoms during physical exercise.

Medication

Medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen for pain, and beta-blockers used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches or glaucoma.

Acid Reflux

Some conditions such as acid reflux, with or without heartburn.

Anxiety & Stress

Emotional anxiety and stress may also increase Asthma symptoms and trigger an attack.

Respiratory Infections

Viral or bacterial respiratory infections, like a cold, the flu or sinusitis.
Allergens Exposure Icon

Allergies

Allergen exposure – e.g. pollen, house dust mites, animal dander, fungal spores and food allergies.

Pollution & Smoke Icon

Pollution & Smoke

Tobacco smoke is an irritant that often aggravates Asthma; as does air pollution, strong odours or fumes.

Seasonal Changes Icon

Seasonal Changes

Seasonal changes, and exposure to cold, dry air.
Physical Exercise Icon

Physical Exercise

Some patients experience symptoms during physical exercise.

TAB 1_Icon 6

Medication

Medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen for pain, and beta-blockers used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure,
migraine headaches or glaucoma.

Acid Reflux Icon

Acid Reflux

Some conditions such as acid reflux, with or without heartburn.
Anxiety & Stress Icon

Anxiety & Stress

Emotional anxiety and stress may also increase Asthma symptoms and trigger an attack.

An Asthma attack is often triggered by an external agent, but it may also be due to poor adherence with medication.

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What is Asthma?

Understanding Asthma will ensure you can live your life without worrying about the impact of the condition.

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People at risk

Although we know that cigarette smoke and dust at work could possibly cause Asthma, there are otherfactors that may increase your risk.

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Symptoms of Asthma

A person with Asthma generally experiences more than one symptom at a time.

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