Possible causes which either augment the likelihood of developing asthma upon exposure to a trigger, or may even increase the susceptibility to getting an attack of asthma, are classified as contributing factors. They do not cause an allergic reaction, but their presence facilitates an allergic reaction.
Respiratory infections Air pollution Outdoor pollutants Indoor pollutants Cigarette Smoke Self smoking Physical exercise Weather
Emotional stress and psychological trauma Food and chemicals Occupational sensitizers
In an important study conducted in Athens, Greece, Dr Prititis and his colleagues examined the medical records of 974 asthmatic children aged 7-14 years in two children’s referral hospitals from 1975 to 1987. It was found that 68 per cent children had positive SPT (Skin Prick Test or Skin Scratch—Test. A positive family atopy history was more often accompained by positive SPT. Sensitization to grass pollens was noted with higher prevalence in urban areas. The house dust mite, Dermatophagoides Pteronyssimus, sensitisation was more prevalent in coastal areas which have high humidity and are therefore conducive for mite growth. The results supported the notion that there was a correlation between sensitivity to common antigens present in the environment, the kind of allergens and the genetic factor with regard to the development of atopic asthma. Environment significantly influences both the prevalence of asthma and the kind of allergens which trigger an asthma attack. Traditionally genetic factors were considered to be of prime importance in the sensitisation of asthmatics. Nevertheless, according to recent studies, environmental factors may play a more important role than previously thought, both in sensitisation, or in the development of atopic disease.
*19\260\8*
WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Posted: February 10th, 2011 under Asthma.
No Comments »
No comments yet.
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.