Asthma can be genetic, though not all cases of asthma are inherited. Asthma has a range of other causes and risk factors.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation in the airways. Inflammation can cause the airways to swell and become very sensitive, leading to wheezing and chest tightness.

Asthma affects people of all ages and genders. In the United States, 8% of adults have asthma. However, some people may be more likely to develop asthma than others.

This article discusses whether different types of asthma have genetic links, other causes and risk factors, and treatment.

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Most types of asthma can have a genetic component. Some different types of asthma include:

A person is more likely to develop asthma if they have a family history of the condition. This means that asthma can be genetic. Some researchers describe it as a “highly heritable disease.”

According to a 2014 review study, genetic factors account for around 70% of a person’s risk for developing asthma, meaning that genes play a large role in whether a person develops the condition.

However, genetics are not the only cause of asthma. Some people develop it when they have no known family history of the condition. A person may have a genetic tendency toward asthma but never actually develop it.

Genetics play less of a role in asthma development later in life, so adult-onset asthma and occupational asthma are less dependent on genes.

A person can also develop asthma without any genetic predisposition for the condition. In fact, many environmental factors can cause a person to develop it.

Both genetics and environment play a role in the development of asthma, but scientists still do not know the exact causes. However, they have identified a number of triggers for asthma symptoms.

Asthma triggers can vary from person to person and may include:

  • respiratory infections, including the cold or flu
  • irritants in the air
  • air pollution
  • tobacco smoke
  • exercise
  • cold air
  • medications, including beta-blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • stress
  • food and drink preservatives
  • allergens, including dust, dander, and pollen

A number of risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing asthma.

Genetics, or family history of asthma, raise a person’s likelihood of developing asthma at some point in their life.

Other risk factors for asthma include:

  • being overweight
  • smoking
  • having allergies or other allergy-related conditions
  • frequent exposure to secondhand smoke
  • exposure to other forms of pollution, such as exhaust fumes
  • exposure to occupational irritants, including chemicals and dust

Asthma symptoms and their severity vary by person. Some people may have symptoms frequently, while others may only experience them occasionally.

Asthma symptoms can include:

  • wheezing
  • chest tightness
  • difficulty breathing
  • shortness of breath
  • coughing

Sometimes, triggers can cause a short period of worsening symptoms called asthma attacks. When a person has an asthma attack, their bronchial tubes constrict.

During an asthma attack, the symptoms of asthma may become severe and need a rescue inhaler or, in some cases, emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

  • a feeling of the chest rapidly tightening
  • rapid breathing
  • a blue tint to the skin and nails
  • shortness of breath not related to physical activity
  • chest retractions
  • an inability to take a full breath

Not all people with asthma have all of these symptoms. Also, just because a person has these symptoms, it does not mean that they have asthma.

Asthma treatment aims to help a person manage the symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Treatment may also lessen the long-term damage to the lungs that can occur with poorly controlled asthma.

A doctor may recommend a combination of treatment methods.

Long-term medical treatment for asthma can include:

  • long-term inhaled asthma control medications, including corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and combination inhalers
  • allergy medications

Doctors may also prescribe fast-acting, short-term medications for asthma attacks. These can include:

  • oral or intravenous steroids to reduce airway swelling in severe attacks
  • fast-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol inhalers

A doctor will also likely recommend some lifestyle modifications to help a person control their symptoms.

Lifestyle modifications that a person with asthma can try may include:

  • identifying and avoiding triggers
  • using air conditioning to avoid outdoor asthma triggers
  • cleaning the home regularly to avoid dust and mold
  • covering the mouth and nose in cold weather
  • managing stress and strong emotions

Asthma has genetic components, but it can also have other causes and risk factors, especially in adult-onset asthma.

People can usually manage their asthma well with medications. However, some people may find their asthma symptoms difficult to control.

In such cases, it is best for people to identify their triggers and try to avoid them as often as possible.

Read this article in Spanish.