Asthma Risk Factors and Prevention

What causes asthma and how can you manage it? 

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your airways, making it harder to breathe. While there isn’t one single cause of asthma, several factors can increase your risk of developing it. Understanding these causes can help you take steps to manage or reduce your risk. 

Common causes and risk factors of asthma 

The exact cause of asthma is still unknown, but research shows that several factors may contribute, especially when they combine early in life. 

Possible contributing factors include: 

• Genetics – A family history of asthma or allergies can increase your risk. 
• Allergies – Conditions like hay fever, eczema or food allergies are often linked to asthma. 
• Respiratory infections – Lung infections in early childhood may affect lung development. 
• Environmental exposure – Being around pollution, mold, or indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander can lead to asthma. 
• Chemical exposure – Strong fumes, workplace irritants or air pollutants can cause asthma to develop over time. 

Lifestyle-related asthma risk factors 

Your everyday choices and surroundings may also increase your asthma risk: 

• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure 
• Living in highly polluted areas 
• Obesity or being overweight 

Making lifestyle changes - like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and improving indoor air quality - can lower your risk and help you manage asthma more effectively. 

Learn more about how to avoid common asthma triggers. 

What is asthma control? 

Asthma control means keeping your symptoms under control on a day-to-day basis. It helps you breathe easier, reduce attacks and avoid emergency care. Effective asthma control starts with understanding your symptoms and how they affect your life. 

Here are three simple steps to better asthma control: 

1. Track your symptoms 

Write down your asthma symptoms each day. Include: 

• When symptoms occur and how long they last 
• What you were doing when symptoms started (possible triggers) 
• How often you use your quick-relief inhaler 
• How quickly your inhaler helps 
• Any related symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose or changes in phlegm 

The more consistent you are, the better your doctor can adjust your care plan. 

2. Monitor your lung function 

Measuring how well your lungs are working can help you track changes and spot problems early. 

• Peak flow monitoring – A simple test using a peak flow meter at home to measure how fast you can blow air out of your lungs 
• Spirometry – A test done in your doctor’s office that shows how much air your lungs can hold and how much you can exhale 

These tests help you know if your asthma is under control. 

3. Adjust your treatment as needed 

Well-controlled asthma means: 

• You have symptoms or need your inhaler two days a week or less 
• Your lung function is at 80% or more of your best personal level 

If you're using your inhaler more often or seeing low test numbers, talk with your doctor. You may need to adjust your medication or take steps to avoid triggers more effectively. 

Get support from asthma specialists at Banner Health 

Asthma can be a lifelong condition, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Our asthma specialists offer personalized care, education and tools to help you take control of your symptoms. We’re here to help you breathe easier - every step of the way. 

Find an asthma specialist near you.