Syracuse is one of the asthma capitals of the world. Boys tend to get asthma more than girls, with girls catching up by the sixth grade. The poor tend to have asthma more. It can be hereditary. Allergies can accompany asthma, but not always.
Allergic rhinitis can be a precursor.
Researchers aren't sure. The environment has changed - as a society we are putting more pollutants into the air. The difference between a cold and asthma. A cold is over in 3-5 days. Mucous may be produced in the form of nasal discharge, or cough production, both of which are a clear or white in color.