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Aetiology

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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

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