Causes of Asthma - Asthma Information

This information was reviewed and approved by Flavia Cecilia Lega Hoyte, MD (2/6/2023).

Although the actual cause of asthma is not known, many studies have shown that several factors can lead to the development of asthma. These factors include genetics, development and growth of the lungs and immune system, various infections, and exposures in the environment.

Well, IgE is a protein that can be made by patients who have allergies and asthma.

It often is not made by patients who do not have any allergic symptoms.

It is often found in the blood as well as tissues such as the skin in patients who have atopic dermatitis or the lung in patients with asthma, the nose in patients with hay fever, and the gut in patients with food allergy. Once it's made in the body, it goes into the blood stream and then gets deposited in the tissue where when the tissue encounters what the patient is allergic to, it triggers allergic reactions because IgE binds to the cells in that tissue that recognize the allergen to which the patient's allergic to. By discovering IgE, we actually were able to determine at several levels new therapies for allergic disease. First of all, the immunology community has been able to study why people with allergic diseases actually make IgE and that has led to multiple pathways and targets along the way that actually modulate or regulate how IgE is being produced and one can actually target each of these molecules to control how much IgE somebody's making. Another example of being able to advance therapy is that by being able to measure what the IgE is directed to, we can actually tell a patient what they should be avoiding and also to do much more improved forms of immunotherapy to specific allergens. Finally, we also have been able to partner with pharmaceutical companies to make monoclonal antibodies which actually can neutralize IgE and have actually been introduced for treatment of severe allergic asthma as well as anaphylaxis to food allergens such as peanut.

Asthma Causes Linked to Genetics
It is widely accepted that asthma is a disease that can be inherited. However, the gene or genes involved are not yet clearly identified. Some researchers believe that the genes linked to asthma involve the lungs and the immune system. It is well known that the atopic diseases – atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma – are commonly found together in one form or another within families.

Childhood Development
The early months and years of a child's life are critical times during which a baby can develop or become susceptible to developing asthma. The abnormal development and growth of the lungs can increase a person's risk for developing asthma. Premature babies born with lungs not fully developed are more susceptible to colds and other respiratory infections. In some cases, an infection can cause inflammation and injure lung tissue. If the baby is exposed to secondhand smoke at this time, more damage to the lungs may occur and change how the lungs function.

The Immune System's Role
Many studies have shown that children and adults with asthma have an immune system that responds differently compared to those without asthma. Many of these people with asthma are allergic and will react to things that do not cause problems in others. Their immune system overreacts when they come in contact with everyday substances such as pollens, mold or animal dander. In some cases, the immune system may overreact to other substances, such as viruses or bacteria, and increase the risk of asthma and resulting asthma attacks.

Environmental Exposures
There are many non-allergic or non-immunologic exposures in the environment that can increase the chance of developing asthma. Long-term exposure to irritants, such as secondhand smoke in the home, is a major risk factor for developing asthma. Other exposures include indoor chemicals and air pollution. Some studies suggest that certain infections or allergy exposure during the first years of life may also affect the development of asthma.

More Research
More research is being done to better understand the role of genetics, infections, exposures and the immune system in the development of asthma and other allergic disorders. This information may help to prevent the development of these problems in the future.

Clinical Trials