Causes, incidence, and risk factors: This article discusses
asthma in children. For a more general discussion about the
disease, please see asthma . Asthma is commonly seen in
children. It is a leading cause of hospital stays and school
absences. Children with asthma may be able to breathe normally
most of the time. When they encounter a substance that can cause
problems (a "trigger"), an asthma attack (exacerbation) can
occur. Common asthma triggers include: - Animals (hair or
dander) - Aspirin and other medications - Changes in weather
(most often cold weather) - Chemicals in the air or in food -
Strong emotions - Tobacco smoke - Viral infections, such as the
common cold In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase
in the number of children with asthma. This trend has been
linked to environmental factors, including air pollution.
However, it is important to understand that indoor triggers can
play just as much of a role as outdoor triggers in bringing on
an asthma attack. Children's airways are narr