What Are the Causes of Bronchial Asthma in Children?

Bronchial asthma is a disease that causes swelling and obstruction of bronchi, or the air passages of the lungs. Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from the disease, and it is the most common chronic disease among children, according to the World Health Organization. Asthma can be treated with proper medication, and patients can live a relatively normal life. By studying what causes asthma attacks in children, doctors can offer better advice on how to control and prevent the disease.

Allergens

Bronchial asthma can mimic an allergic response to various substance, called allergens. These substances can trigger an asthma attack, according to Kids Health. Common allergens that may cause asthma include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, molds and cockroaches. When a child is exposed to a specific allergen, his airways will start to constrict and produce mucous. This prevents air from moving freely from and to the lungs. Patients will develop difficulty breathing.

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Medications

Certain medications have been found to cause asthma, according to the World Health Organization. Aspirin, ibuprofen and heart medications such as beta-blockers have all been listed as possible triggers for the disease. These medications can cause side effects that cause the airways to tighten. The medications begin the process, and the disease continues it. Patients will need asthma medication to reverse the airway narrowing and should avoid the triggering medication in the future.

Respiratory Infection

Children who develop a respiratory infection can manifest asthma, according to Medline Plus, a National Institutes of Health website. The most common respiratory infection associated with asthma is the common cold. The organism causing the infection can cause minor damage to the cells and tissues of the respiratory tract. This causes the bronchi to become inflamed and to swell. This prevents air from reaching the lungs and brings about an asthma attack.

Emotional Stress

Patients who are undergoing intense emotions can suffer from an asthma attack, according to Kids Health. The emotions cause a release of hormones that induce a narrowing of the airways. Anger, fear and stress are the common emotions that may lead to an asthma attack. Typically, the attack resolves when the child calms down, but if the asthma attack is severe, the patient may require medical assistance.

Exercise

Exercise has been listed as a cause of asthma by Medline Plus. Exercise forces the body to release chemicals that normally cause a dilation of the airways. However, in some cases the opposite occurs. The patient’s bronchi become narrower and filled with mucous. Patients will be unable to breathe and sustain the physical activity. Patients must stop exercising, attempt to catch their breath and seek medical care.