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Risk factors
What are the risk factors for an asthma attack? Although anyone may have an asthma attack, it most commonly occurs in: •children, by the age of 5 •adults in their 30s •adults older than 65 •people living in urban communities Other factors include: •family history of asthma •personal medical history of allergies Children most susceptible to asthma attacks include the following: •children with a family history of asthma •infants and other young children who when they develop a respiratory infection, they also tend to have wheezing •children who have allergies •children who have exposure to tobacco smoke and other allergens prior to birth A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These include: Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) Being overweight Being a smoker Exposure to secondhand smoke Having a mother who smoked while pregnant Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing Low birth weightExposure to allergens, exposure to certain germs or parasites, and having some types of bacterial or viral infections also may be risk factors. However, more research is needed to determine what role they may play in developing asthma. |