Per the World Health Organization, asthma is a chronic lung disease affecting people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe(WHO, 2024).Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time(WHO, 2024).
Many factors have been linked to an increased risk of developing asthma, although it is often difficult to find a single, direct cause(WHO, 2024).
Asthma is more likely if other family members also have asthma – particularly a close relative, such as a parent or sibling(WHO, 2024).
Asthma is more likely in people who have other allergic conditions, such as eczema and rhinitis (hay fever)(WHO, 2024).
Urbanization is associated with increased asthma prevalence, probably due to multiple lifestyle factors(WHO, 2024).
Events in early life affect the developing lungs and can increase the risk of asthma. These include low birth weight, prematurity, exposure to tobacco smoke and other sources of air pollution, as well as viral respiratory infections(WHO, 2024).
Exposure to a range of environmental allergens and irritants are also thought to increase the risk of asthma, including indoor and outdoor air pollution, house dust mites, moulds, and occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes or dust(WHO, 2024).
Children and adults who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma(WHO, 2024).