The immune system overreacts to triggers and causes the airways to become inflamed and tight. Asthma is more common in children who were underweight at birth and those who live in polluted areas. It is more prevalent in children who were given formula than in those who were breast-fed as infants. Children who attended day care as infants are only half as likely to develop asthma as other children. Often there are provoking factors, or triggers, that cause asthma symptoms.
Triggers differ from person to person.
There are no immunizations or preventive treatments for asthma. The best prevention is to avoid known triggers. People with asthma definitely should not smoke or be around people who smoke. Working in areas with excessive dust or fumes should also be avoided. Once a person is diagnosed with asthma, he or she should follow the treatment plan given by the healthcare provider.