• Allergens such as dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander, and cockroach

• Viral infections

• Medicines: include beta-blockers, aspirin, acetaminophen and ACE Inhibitors

• Exercise, specially in cold, dry air or weather, is a common cause of asthma symptoms. This is usually called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Symptoms of EIA usually begin 5-10 minutes after completion of exercise, and attacks typically resolve within 30 minutes. Many people with asthma take medicine before exercising to prevent flare-ups. Short-acting beta agonists, Inhaled corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers, or Mast cell stabilizers are the most commonly used and generally most effective pre-exercise medications.

 
• Exposure to certain substances in the workplace can cause occupational asthma.

• Weather conditions including a sudden change in temperature, cold air, windy days, hot and humid days

• Chemical fumes and other strong-smelling substances like perfumes

A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These include:

" Family History of Asthma

" Smoking: Smokers have a high risk of asthma. Those whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or who were exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have asthma.

" Air Pollution: pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone raise the risk for asthma.

" Viral Infections

" Being overweight

" Atopy: Atopy means a genetic predisposition that increases a person's risk of developing certain allergic conditions such as eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis and asthma. Some findings indicate that children with atopic dermatitis may have more severe and persistent asthma as adults.

" Allergens such as dust mites, pollens, molds, pet dander, and cockroach

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

These symptoms are often worse at night and early in the morning, particularly if the condition is not well controlled. For some people with asthma specially children, a cough is the main symptom.

Asthma medications are often divided into two groups:

bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents.

Bronchodilator medications

There are three types of bronchodilator medications:

• Beta2-agonists (short- and long-acting forms)

• Anticholinergics

• Theophylline

Short-acting forms beta2-agonists: Albuterol, Pirbuterol and Levalbuterol

Long-acting forms beta2-agonists: Salmeterol and Formoterol

Anticholinergic drugs

Examples of these medications include ipratropium (Atrovent) and tiotropium (Spiriva).

Theophylline

Anti-inflammatory medications

Inhaled corticosteroids: Inhaled corticosteroids are first-line anti-inflammatory therapy.

Examples of these medications include: Fluticasone, Beclomethasone and Mometasone

Systemic corticosteroids

These medications include: Prednisone and Methylprednisolone

Leukotriene modifiers

These medications include: Montelukast and Zafirlukast

Mast cell stabilizers

These medications include: Cromolyn sodium and Nedocromil

Omalizumab (Anti-IgE)