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A general pattern of factors influencing development of asthma seems to be emerging, including family allergy history/ asthma genetics, smoking, diet, obesity, and inactivity, all of which seem to influence the development of asthma and disease outcomes (Table bellow).

Many clinical or area studies have reported substantially higher rates of asthma prevalence, hospitalization, and mortality among racial and ethnic minorities. However, asthma is also most common among low socioeconomic groups, regardless of race. While black children have higher rates of asthma than white children, most studies have found that black race is not a significant correlate of asthma after controlling for location of residence and socioeconomic status (SES). The basis for the effects of poverty and urban residence on asthma prevalence is not known. One potential asthma factor is allergen exposure and allergen sensitization are common in urban environments. Black children in inner city Atlanta are exposed to high levels of dust mites and cockroach allergen, and a high proportion of the children with asthma were sensitized to these allergens. Litonjua and colleagues also concluded that a large proportion of racial/ethnic differences in asthma prevalence can be explained by factors related to income, area of residence, and level of education.

Asthma Factors that Influence Disease Development and Severity

Income is a determinant of access to health care, and frequently, the quantity and quality of health care available. Persons who have low income, regardless of race or ethnicity, are more likely to be uninsured, to encounter delays or be denied care, to rely on hospital clinics in emergency departments for health services, and to receive substandard care. The usual socioeconomic indicators, education and personal or household income, serve only as surrogates for more complicated correlates of individuals within populations and multiple asthma factors that can impact both on prevalence of asthma and adverse outcomes from the disease.

Studies from Germany comparing the populations of East and West Germany have shown the prevalence of hay fever and asthma as significantly higher in West German children, suggesting that asthma environmental factors explain the difference in prevalence in these ethnically similar populations. Early exposure to infections (as with being in a day-care environment early in life) or exposure to endotoxin (as with growing up on a farm with close exposure to the farm animals) are associated with a decreased prevalence of asthma. In contrast, growing up in an urban environment or generally with an increased standard of living are associated with an increased prevalence of asthma. Such correlates are also present for atopic disorders other than asthma. In fact, Strachan, who noted that prevalence of hay fever was inversely related to family size, was the first to recognize the importance of early exposures on atopic disease. In the USA, asthma is more prevalent in African-Americans and Puerto Ricans. These findings are not explained by the observations on the role of social class in European studies. Given the ethnic differences between African-Americans and whites, these studies may represent gene-by-environment interaction producing varied phenotypic outcomes.

Asthma and allergic diseases are common in both children and adults. Their development depends on an interaction between asthma genetic and asthma environmental risk factors. Genetic manipulation in multi factorial diseases such as asthma is not feasible in the foreseeable future. However, theoretically, environmental exposures can be controlled in an attempt to stem the rising prevalence of these diseases (primary prevention). Environmental exposures may also influence the frequency of symptoms and the requirement for medication in those with established disease. (more…)

The symptoms of asthma occur together with variations in the diameter of medium- size airways such that it is increasingly difficult to exhale. Narrowing of the airways can occur because of smooth muscle contraction, edema or swelling of the wall, or increased mucus in the airways. However, it is increasingly clear that the pathologic event underlying most cases of asthma is acute inflammation of the airway walls. (more…)

To prevent the development of allergy, allergen avoidance has to be instituted before sensitization has occurred. The specific type of aero allergens may vary depending on the climatic and economic situation. For example, House Dust Mite is the most important allergen in humid climates and pet allergens assume importance in cold countries, while cockroach allergen is the major sensitizing agent in crowded, inner city areas. Several large prospective studies have instituted House Dust Mites avoidance measures during pregnancy, at birth and later in childhood, and assessed children for asthma and allergic manifestations. (more…)

There are other signs and symptoms of asthma. People with asthma can be feeling irritable because of asthma discomfort. Some signs usually occur before an asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic disease of the lung, which affects respiratory system. Respiratory system is like small tubes that take the air in and out of the lungs. (more…)

About ninety percent of Americans spend most of their time indoors, not knowing that the air inside your home can contain potentially harmful airborne contaminants as well as the air outside the home. These contaminants, more accurately called allergens, can aggravate asthma or allergy symptoms and cause damage to health. (more…)

Do you know that can find dust mites everywhere and in every home? Even though your home is clean, it doesn’t matter, you may still find dust mites. Dust mites are usually the most common type of allergens that can cause asthma and allergies. At one time this type of allergens strike you, you will find difficulties in breathing. (more…)

An infant who is having trouble breathing because of nasal congestion is tough to watch. Too young to understand how to clear the nose by blowing, and unable to tell you just how he’s feeling, it’s a frustrating time for many new parents. Here are several common causes of infant nasal congestion, suggestions for dealing with them, and a solution that can help reduce the frequency of congestion. (more…)

It is estimated that more than 12 millions of American are having food allergy. About 4 percent of adults are having this disease and nearly 6 to 9 percent children under the age of 3 are having the same illness. The prevalence of food allergies is rising, where the most common food allergy in children are caused by milk allergy in children, eggs, peanuts allergy and tree nuts. In adults, the most common allergic reaction are triggered by peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish and eggs. (more…)