Causes of Pediatric Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is characterized by sudden recurring attacks of labored breathing, chest constriction, and coughing.

According to The New York Times, asthma occurs when the airways leading into the lungs go through changes when exposed to allergens or other environmental triggers. These changes bring on two different responses: The hyperactive response and the inflammatory response. With the hyperreactive response, smooth muscles in the airways constrict and become excessively narrow in response to inhaled allergens or other triggers. With the inflammatory response the immune system causes the airways to swell, fill with fluid, and produce a thick sticky mucus.

According to WebMD, the most common causes of pediatric asthma are:

* Dander from pets
* Aspirin and similar medications
* Abrupt changes in the weather
* Chemicals which can be found in food and in the air
* Food Allergies such as allergies to milk-based formulas
* Dust (including dust mites and mite feces)
* Exercise
* Fungus
* Pollen
* Extreme emotions
* Living in a household where someone smokes
* Viral infections (for example: a cold, or the flu)

Another cause could be genetic. Asthma can be passed from mother to child, but it is less likely to be passed from father to child. Early respiratory infections can also be a cause of pediatric asthma.