Asthma in Children

The cause of asthma is unknown. Health experts believe that inherited, environmental, and Reference immune system Opens New Window factors combine to cause Reference inflammation of the bronchial tubes Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, which carry air to the lungs. This can lead to asthma symptoms and Reference asthma attacks Opens New Window.

• Family history. Asthma may run in families (inherited). If this is the case in your family, your child may be more likely than other children to develop long-lasting (chronic) inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
• Immune system. In some children, immune system cells release chemicals that cause inflammation in response to certain substances (Reference allergens Opens New Window) that cause Reference allergic reactions Opens New Window. Studies show that exposure to allergens such as Reference dust mites Opens New Window, cockroaches, and Reference animal dander Opens New Window may influence asthma's development.^{Reference 1} Asthma is much more common in children with allergies (Reference atopic Opens New Window children), though not all children with allergies develop asthma. And not all children with asthma have allergies.
• Environment. Environmental factors and today's germ-conscious lifestyle may play a role in the development of asthma. Some experts believe there are more cases of asthma because of pollution and less exposure to certain types of harmful bacteria and other germs.^{Reference 2} As a result, children's immune systems may develop in a way that makes it more likely they will also develop allergies and asthma.

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