Death from childhood asthma is rare, but asthma mortality rates have been increasing in the United States and other countries. References Etiology Asthma is a complex disorder involving autonomic, immunologic, infectious, endocrine, and psychological factors to varying degrees in different individuals. The extrinsic or allergic asthma is exacerbated following exposure to environmental factors such as dust, pollens, and danders. Women may experience catamenial asthma at predictable times during menstrual cycle. Puberty improves asthma.
Thyrotoxicosis increases the severity of asthma.
Most people with asthma have early warning signs that occurs hours, days, or weeks before serious breathing problems occur. Warning signs are not the same for everyone. You may have different signs at different times. By knowing the warning signs and acting on them, you may be able to avoid a serious asthma episode. Do not stop medicines, do not give medicine less often than recommended, or switch to other drugs or treatment without physician authorization.