Synthetic bedding and gas heating are also frequent causes of these episodes of respiratory discomfort.
- Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, which manifests itself in the form of attacks.
- It is possible to control asthma, but it is not a cure.
- A change in environmental factors can contribute to a reduction in symptoms.
More than four million people suffer from asthma in France. This inflammatory disease manifests itself in the form of seizures, with difficult and wheezing breathing. It is linked to genetic and environmental causes, but seizures can be caused by different factors. In Australia, a research team wanted to understand what the main triggers are. They reviewed 56 studies carried out with more than 137,000 people in the country, to identify the most common causes of seizures. Their work has appeared in Journal of Asthma.
Passive smoking, a common cause
One of the first risk factors identified by researchers is passive smoking. People with asthma are usually surrounded by smokers at work or at home. The authors of the study point out that inhaling smoke disrupts the normal development of the lungs and the immune system, and causes irritation of the respiratory tract. “Children were the main victims of passive smoking, exposed to the smoking of their parents, especially mothers, at home“, they specify in The Conversation.
Bedding and heating, important risk factors
The second risk factor is present in all homes: bedding. When made of non-natural fibers, such as microfiber, nylon or acrylic materials, it contains higher levels of allergens and dust mites, compared to bedding made of feathers. The firmer weave of feather pillows makes them a more protective barrier against allergens, the authors hypothesize. As for synthetic bedding items, “they also increase exposure to volatile organic chemicals”, say the Australian researchers. They also observe that the mode of heating can trigger asthma attacks: gas-heated homes are more subject to nitrogen dioxide emissions, which irritates the respiratory tract and can trigger asthma symptoms. “Our research shows the importance of focusing on preventing some common family environmental factors to prevent asthma symptoms, conclude the scientists. These factors can sometimes be less known despite their notorious effect on asthma.” For families where one member has asthma, they recommend getting rid of gas heaters, changing bedding, and ideally quitting smoking, or at least not smoking at all. inside.
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