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Asthma

Effect of Asthma on Other People

01/16/2007

Question:

Hi, I have a question. Now if a person has asthma, will the spouse also has any danger of being affected by it?? regards.

Answer:

Asthma is not contagious.  The actual cause of asthma is not known but some people are at risk for developing asthma.  Risk factors for developing asthma include the following:

1. Genetics.  Asthma can run in families for example if a mother or father has asthma, their children will have a greater chance of having asthma. 

2. Allergies.  People with environmental allergies are thought to have sensitive breathing tubes (airways) which make them prone to asthma.

3.  Gender.  During childhood, asthma is more common in males but during the teen years and into adulthood asthma is more common in females.

4.  Obesity.  Being overweight increases your chance of having asthma.

5.  Environment.  Exposure to fumes, pollution, infections, tobacco smoke and other irritants can also increase your risk of asthma.

6.  Race.  African Americans have asthma more often than Hispanic Americans or Caucasian Americans.

For more information:

Go to the Asthma health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Cathy Benninger, RN, MS, APRN, C-AE Cathy Benninger, RN, MS, APRN, C-AE
Clinical Assistant Professor
Director, OSU Asthma Center Educational Program
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University