Meet Our Physicians Banner Image

What Causes Asthma?

The famously chronic lung disease known as asthma is an irritating and sometimes life-threatening condition that affects people of all ages. It is estimated that over 25 million Americans alone suffer from asthma. These numbers are even more staggering when you consider that there is no cure for this ailment at all. What exactly causes asthma? Why do some people struggle with it from a very young age? What are the best treatments available to help with this condition?

At CRPM, we focus on helping patients deal with pain, whether that page is internal or external. But there are options for asthma treatment in Orange County. We provide regenerative therapy for asthma that can help restore respiratory functionality and reduce the symptoms of this condition.

Asthma is triggered by many different causes, from allergies to heartburn. Read more about the associated causes of asthma below.

Food and Additives

Suffering from a life-threatening food allergy is already scary enough. But did you know that different foods and food additives can trigger asthma attacks in those predisposed to the condition?

It’s not all types of food and additives, though. Some of the most common foods that are known to trigger asthma attacks include:

  • Peanuts
  • Dairy
  • Wheat
  • Fish
  • Soy
  • Eggs
  • Tree nuts
  • Shellfish

It isn’t just these foods that cause allergic reactions. Additives that are put into food, such as sodium bisulfite, and sodium sulfite, can trigger asthma attacks as well.

Infections

If you are dealing with a respiratory or viral infection, you are probably experiencing asthma symptoms way more than you usually would. Bronchitis, the flu, or a really bad cold can trigger an attack since the infection is already putting your respiratory system through a lot of strain.

Colds and infections are the most common causes of asthma, especially in children. There is a strong correlation between hay fever and asthma, where those with asthma are much more likely to show exacerbated symptoms. According to research performed by Mayo Clinic, 15% – 56% of people with hay fever also have symptoms of asthma.

Exercise

Even though you have always been told that exercise and physical activity are good for your physical health, this might not be completely true if you have symptoms of asthma. More than 80% of those with asthma experience heightened symptoms after an intense workout. This isn’t to say you can’t exercise at all, but you must work to understand your limits and stop all activity if you feel a tightness in your airways.

Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, there is a large chance that you suffer from asthma as well. A large majority of people with asthma also suffer from seasonal allergies, experiencing symptoms that range from mild irritation to severe pain.

Most people with asthma have allergies to different pollen and pollutants in the air. Some of the most common substances that cause allergies include pet dander, dust mites, mold, grass, and plant pollen. Children who live in environments with high amounts of pollutants are more likely to develop asthma from an early age.

Heartburn

You may not think something like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is related to asthma, but it has a heavy correlation for almost 90% of people with asthma. The majority of those with asthma symptoms also have major heartburn. When dealing with heartburn after a meal, and you can feel your stomach acid going into your esophagus, you are at risk of an asthma attack. This can cause your throat and airways to close up, triggering your symptoms of asthma. A viable treatment option includes a change in your routine food and medications.

Stay On Top of Your Asthma Symptoms!

Some people are diagnosed with asthma from an early age, while others might not experience asthma symptoms until adulthood. There are many underlying causes and triggers. While there is no cure, there are many different treatments and regenerative therapy options that can help reduce suffering and encourage the body to heal itself. Call us to learn about pain management in Orange County. At CRPM, we offer a holistic approach to asthma treatment and offer you the tools to help you remain in control of your life.