More research needs to be done to determine what causes asthma as it’s still unknown. However, medical studies have shown that there are certain factors that increase your risk of developing asthma. This includes: • Your family history. If you have a direct relative with asthma, you are three to six times more likely to develop it as well. • Allergies. If you have allergies, you are more at risk of developing asthma. • Viral respiratory infections. If you had a respiratory problem during your childhood, or are prone to them as an adult, you are more likely to develop asthma. • Environmental exposures. Periodic or chronic exposures to environmental irritants, such as air pollutants, can result in acute or chronic asthma symptoms. • Smoking. Those that smoke, or who have high exposure to second-hand smoke, have been shown to be more prone to developing asthma. • Obesity. Those who are clinically overweight or obese are more likely to develop asthma and are also more likely to experience complications when it comes to managing their asthma symptoms.