What are the causes of asthma? 1. Family and personal history: If your parents or close relatives have allergic diseases/asthma, you are more likely to get asthma. You also have an increased chance of developing asthma if you have: 2. Allergic rhinitis 3. Allergic skin diseases such as eczema 4. Triggers: 5. Allergic triggers: dust mites, food, mold, pollen, animal dander, etc. 6. Non-allergic triggers: exercise, viral infections, cold air, smoke, air pollution, inhaling “second-hand “Smoke” (i.e., in a smoking environment), aspirin and other drugs 7. Occupational asthma” caused by exposure to certain chemicals at work Let’s take a look at some common asthma triggers at home: 1. Dust mites: they are small insects that live in carpets, fabric furniture, curtains, mattresses, pillows and bedding. They feed on dander and breed in warm, humid environments. 2. Animal (pet) dander: Allergies to pets are common. Nearly 50% of children with asthma are allergic to pet dander, saliva and urine, not fur or feathers. These allergens are tiny particles that remain suspended in the air even when the pet is no longer there. Pets may also bring in pollen or mold from outdoors that is on their fur. 3. mold: a type of fungus that produces spores that float in the air, they parasitize decaying plants and thrive in humid environments. 4. pollen: often dispersed by the wind on hot, windy days. Pollen from trees and grasses is most common in spring, summer and autumn respectively