Asthma is an inherited disease that is passed down within families throughout generations, however the inheritance pattern is unknown as of now. The genetic cause of asthma is very complex. Studies suggest that over 100 genes may be associated with the genetic cause of asthma although these specific genes have yet to be identified. Many of the associated genes are involved in the body's immune response, others play a role in the lung and airway functions. While there is normally a balance between type 1 and type 2 immune reactions in the body, many people with asthma predominantly have type 2 reactions. these types of reactions lead to the production of immune proteins called IgE antibodies. Normally, the body produces these antibodies to defend against parasitic invaders, but for an unknown reason people with asthma produce these antibodies to attack harmless allergens within the body. Upon later encounters with the allergen, IgE antibodies recognize them, creating an immune response, causing bronchoconstriction, airway swelling, and mucus production, all obvious signs of asthma.
- Toscana, K. (2017). Allergic Asthma. Retrieved from https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/allergic-asthma#
- WebMD. (2017). Asthma Risk Factors. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-risk-factors#1
- Barnes, K. (2016). Genetics of Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/genetics-of-asthma
- WebMD. (2017). Asthma Risk Factors. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-risk-factors#1
- Barnes, K. (2016). Genetics of Asthma. Retrieved from http://www.uptodate.com/contents/genetics-of-asthma
Environmental Risk Factors
Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder characterized by the inflammation of the airways. Asthma, although can be inherited through a genetic connection, can also be caused by environmental factors. Some of these factors include: Smoking, (including second hand smoking), air pollution, chemicals found in both a work and home environment, fumes or exhaust from vehicles such as cars, or an excess amount of dust or dirt particles. All of these viable irritants that can trigger and cause asthma, however the worst by far is smoking; smoking causes the infection of the lungs with harmful chemicals that can be directly related to variety diseases including, asthma. Thankfully unlike the genetic risk factors these factors can be prevented. It is your choice to smoke or not, you can choose where you live, and work, you can use more environmental friendly cars, and you can choose to not be around smokers, so basically, as long as you aren't born with it, you can choose whether to submit your self to asthma or not.
- Symbicort. (2017). Asthma Triggers. Retrieved from https://www.mysymbicort.com/asthma/about-asthma/asthma-triggers.html?
- Gibbons, G. (2013). What causes Asthma?. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/causes
- WebMD. (2017). Asthma Risk Factors. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-risk-factors#1
- Gibbons, G. (2013). What causes Asthma?. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma/causes
- WebMD. (2017). Asthma Risk Factors. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-risk-factors#1