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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffAsthma is common, affecting millions of adults and children. A growing number of people are diagnosed with the condition each year, but it isn't clear why. A number of factors are thought to increase the chances of developing asthma. These include:
- A family history of asthma
- Frequent respiratory infections as a child
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Living in an urban area, especially if there's a lot of air pollution
- Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
- Low birth weight
- Being overweight
