Exercise can trigger an asthma attack. There is a strong genetic predisposition to asthma.
Most experts believe there are complex inheritance factors which contribute to asthma.
Children with asthma are particularly sensitive to animals, dust mites, pollen, molds, cigarettes and wood smoke. Recurrent night cough can be a tip-off, since asthma is often worse at night. Asthma can be misdiagnosed as a respiratory infection and the patient is ineffectively treated with antibiotics. Emotional responses may trigger asthma because they involve deep rapid breathing similar to running. The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.