ASTHMA-CAUSES

SUMMARY

1. Host factors, especially genetic susceptibility: atopy (≥ 1 of the following: atopic dermatitis, atopic asthma, atopic rhinitis) is the strongest identifiable predisposing factor for developing lgE-mediated asthma.

2. Environmental factors: exposure to certain environmental agents at critical points in immune development.

3. Triggers are environmental factors that may be the cause of asthma or exacerbate symptoms when the airways are hypersensitive. 6 categories: allergens, irritants, chemicals, respiratory infections, physical stress, and emotional stress.

4. Up to 80% of people with asthma have rhinitis. Asthma triad (Samter triad): ASA-sensitivity, asthma & nasal polyposis. Patients may also be sensitive to other NSAIDs & tartrazine dyes but not to Na⁺ or choline salicylates.

5. Comorbidities: atopy, rhinitis, (symptomatic) GORD, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), OSA, stress.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I., Furmedge, D. and Sinharay, R. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Get it on Amazon.
Feather, A., Randall, D. and Waterhouse, M. (2020). Kumar And Clark’s Clinical Medicine. 10th ed. S.L.: Elsevier Health Sciences. Get it on Amazon.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].