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What causes an asthma attack?
Some causes and triggers are common to all children with asthma, and some are more individual, especially allergens. There are very big differences between children in how readily and how severely they react to different triggers. The severity of the symptoms can differ in the same child at different times, and the effects of treatment can also vary.
Your child’s asthma does not stay the same, but changes over time, and every child with asthma has good days and bad days (or longer periods). However, if asthma is properly treated, your child can enjoy long periods without symptoms or attacks.
A number of different triggers can cause asthma symptoms or start an asthma attack:
infections, usually those caused by a virus (e.g. colds or flu)
allergens, most commonly from house dust mites, pets or pollen
play and exercise, especially in cold weather
emotions, such as excitement, fear or anger
irritants, such as air pollution
smoking – the parents of children with asthma should avoid smoking
changes in the weather (e.g. a cold spell)
food allergens, such as peanuts (sensitized or allergic children can have a very severe allergic reaction), and – more rarely – food additives, such as tartrazine (an artificial food colouring)
certain medications – some children may be allergic to some drugs, and other drugs rarely used in children (including beta-blockers) may also cause asthma
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