Professor: Hello! Asthma can occur in young children, children and adults of any age, but it is more common in children and the elderly. This is due to the fact that children’s airways are very delicate and can be narrowed by small external stimuli such as cold air, special gases, pollen and dust mites. Although the parents themselves may not have asthma, they may suffer from other allergic diseases such as rhinitis, eczema and hives. These can be passed on to the next generation, making the baby allergic and thus more likely to develop asthma. The causes of asthma are not well understood and are not only related to genetic factors, but are mostly influenced by other factors as well. These include respiratory viral infections, exercise, inhalation of allergic substances, food allergies, chemical irritation, climate change, and mental factors.