Infections, like colds and sore throats, can start or worsen asthma symptoms. The lungs of patients with asthma are irritable and hyper responsive. Infections, cold air inhalation, and other irritants to the lungs may result in asthma symptoms. Even if a child with asthma feels fine, wheezing can occur with normal activity such as walking, laughing or climbing stairs. Many patients benefit from using a meter called a peak flow meter that can help to alert the asthma patient of the fact that their lungs are not functioning as good as they could with additional use of appropriate medicines.
Asthma tends to run in families.
The genetic trait of asthma may occur more commonly within certain families. It appears that there are at least two genes that help to produce an asthmatic patient. One gene enhances reactivity within the bronchial tubes, and yet another one enhances allergy immune reactions. If you are unfortunate enough to have inherited both of these soon to be identified genes, then the likelihood of developing ticklish lungs, or asthma, is high. Removing whatever the child is allergic to may help to prevent asthma symptoms.