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Which factors can trigger asthma attacks in children?
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respiratory disease
The bronchioles of the lungs are the site where oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide during the process of respiration. Inflammation, infection, or obstruction of the bronchioles is often associated with acute or chronic respiratory disease, including bronchiectasis, pneumonia, and lung abscesses.
Asthma in children is frequently associated with an inherited susceptibility to allergens, which can trigger an allergic reaction and subsequent airway obstruction. Common triggers include:12
- Environmental Allergens: Exposure to pollen, mold spores, animal proteins (dander), and substances from insects, particularly cockroaches and mites found in house dust.12
- Dietary Factors: In small children, sensitivity to milk may stimulate an attack.1
- Physical and Environmental Stressors: Children may experience airflow obstruction when breathing cold air or during physical exercise. Additionally, air pollution, secondhand smoke, and crowded living conditions are recognized factors that can exacerbate symptoms.123
While the exact mechanisms are complex, exposure to these inciting factors stimulates the immune system to release chemicals that cause bronchial muscle contraction, inflammation, and increased mucus production. It is important to note that frequent respiratory infections in early childhood may actually help "prime" the immune system and potentially protect against the later development of asthma.12