Is Asthma Hereditary?

Is Asthma Hereditary In Children?

Answering the question, “Is asthma hereditary in children?” is not easily done since there are so many factors that account for causes and triggers. Asthma is a respiratory condition that is characterized by recurring minor episodes or serious attacks, of shortness of breath, wheezing, an irritated cough and prolonged expiration.

Traditionally, when air enters into the nose, it is filtered, humidified and warmed. After the air passes the windpipe, it flows through branching airway tubes into the lungs. The smallest of these tubes, the bronchioles, open up into alveoli, which are balloon-like sacs.

When an asthma attack occurs, these particular airways will narrow while the surrounding muscles contract. The inner wall's membrane lining swells causing the gland to produce excess mucus.

So, Is Asthma Hereditary?

There is the presence of hereditary factors so you could technically answer the question, “Is asthma hereditary?” with a yes answer, however, there are many other causes as well. A large number of children that are diagnosed with asthma have a triggering cause of allergies to blame. Most of those children have family members who either have a history of atopic dermatitis, hay fever, or even a history of asthma themselves.

Quite often, a child will develop eczema as an infant, then hay fever as a child and finally asthma. This three step process is referred to as the “allergic march”.

Contributing Factors

In addition to the clear yes answer of, “Is asthma hereditary in children?” there are also many other factors and triggers to be blamed. The two primary contributing factors are inflammation in the passages of the airway and hyperactive bronchi.

When triggered by a particular stimulus, specific cells that line the airways eject a chemical that is called mediators that causes the inflammation. Excess mucus is then created and the airway is greatly narrowed.

Hyperactivity, which is the most common type of asthma, occurs when a stimulus is exposed to the bronchi, causing an exaggerated constriction to the airway muscle, resulting in breathing difficulties.

Triggers

Allergens such as foods, pollens, mold, dust, animal dander or feathers.
Exercise, especially in cold weather.
Air born irritants including cigarette smoke, pollution, gases and dirt.
Household odors such as perfumes, paint, cleaners, fabric softeners, cooking fumes and laundry detergents.
Metabisulfite, a preservative that is found in vegetables, salad bars, fruit juices, dried fruit, wine and beer.
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sore throat, flu or a cold.
Stress, including excessive excitement or fear.
Weather changes, primarily cold or windy air but can include dramatic hot and cold variations as well.

Symptoms

Wheezing
Tightness or pain in the chest
Recurring or chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Inability to talk
Agitation
Flared nostrils, especially when sleeping
In severe cases, bluish skin will be present around the lips as well as the tips of the fingers.

Nighttime Asthma

Asthma will almost always worsen at night. During the night while you are sleeping, the body resets itself and releases chemicals that can alter lung function. Additionally, your body temperature drops while you sleep causing airways to cool down. Exposure to allergens that you were in contact with during the day will often not affect your body for several hours later. When asthma occurs at night, even if it is a mild case, it is extremely dangerous since a large percentage of asthma deaths result in the early morning hours. It is very important to discuss your child's nighttime asthma symptoms with their doctor so that proper treatment options can be provided to ensure your child's safety.