Asthma is a complex condition. It is difficult to say for sure what
causes it but, so far, we suspect that genes play a part in
predisposing someone to developing the condition. We also know that
there isn’t a single asthma gene. Instead, the combined effects of
several genes probably work together to produce a susceptibility to
asthma; in the same way, other genes lower the chances of developing
it.
As countries and communities have modernised, it could also be that
changes in lifestyle (diet, housing and hygiene) have led to a higher
prevalence of allergy. It may well be that communities eating a lot of
natural and fresh foods, which contain lots of chemicals called
antioxidants, are relatively well protected against developing
allergies.
There is still so much to find out about the allergic process and what
it is about our environment that has caused the phenomenal increase in
allergic disease throughout the modern world. In the meantime, allergy
is, unfortunately, part of everyday life for many of us, and a number
of so-called ‘triggers’ can set it off, such as viral infections (colds
or flu), allergies (to pollen, animals, housedust mites), irritants
(cold air, tobacco smoke, chemical fumes) and exercise.
Although it is unlikely that you will be able to avoid all your
asthma triggers all of the time, steering clear of them will help to
keep your symptoms at bay. Try to keep a record of the times and
situations when your asthma is worse. This will help you identify what
your asthma triggers are.
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