A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get asthma with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting asthma are greater in people who have many.
Things that can raise the risk are:
People who have family members with asthma may be more likely to get it themselves.
People who have allergies have a greater chance of getting asthma. Allergens that are often linked to asthma are:
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Mites
- Molds
- Dust and dust mites
- Some foods
Having these health problems raises the risk:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Respiratory infections in childhood, especially bronchiolitis
- Premature delivery
- Obesity
People who have jobs in farming, painting, and cleaning are more likely to get asthma.
Smoking, smoking when pregnant, and being around secondhand smoke raises the risk of asthma.
Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can raise the risk of asthma in some people who also have rhinitis and sinusitis. This is called aspirin-induced asthma
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 09/2019 -
- Update Date: 10/23/2019 -