aetiology
Last reviewed 01/2018
There may be multiple factors involved for a child to develop asthma including:
- a genetic predisposition - atopy is known to be inherited by a dominant gene on chromosome 11:
- an atopic component in 40% of patients
- an atopic may have a functional history of eczema, fever and urticaria. There may be associated raised levels of IgE, eosinophilia, labile peak expiratory flow rate and known sensitivity to allergens
- infection:
- virus associated wheeze occurs in some 20% of children
- acute RSV bronchiolitis can cause a persistent asthma syndrome independent of a familial atopy or asthma
- passive smoking
- bronchial hyper-responsiveness