Sample of Cause and effect Essay

The Many Causes of Asthma Attacks

            Asthma, a condition that affects the lungs, is a disease that many people, the majority of whom are children, have.  Asthma is most commonly thought to be hereditary. One known cause for an attack is an allergic reaction, but stress and vigorous activity are thought to be causes as well.  This disease can be fatal if it is not taken care of immediately, but with the medical technology of today, mild asthma is more of a nuisance than a life threatening disease.

            Although not proven, asthma is thought to be hereditary.  The majority of asthmatics tend to have asthmatics in the family.  In most cases, asthma usually is present at birth, although some cases have developed after age forty (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book "Asthma” 466-467)

.           A flare up of asthma is generally referred to as an asthma attack.  An asthma attack starts with the a spasm  and constriction of the muscles in the bronchial passages; there is also an inflammation of the mucous lining.  This will cause breathing to become labored and cause a wheezing sound (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book "Asthma" 933).  At this stage, some asthmatics may experience coughing.  The coughing will often be a "wet" cough, which is the kind of cough with which mucous is coughed up (Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial").  This will continue until medication is taken, or, if no medication is taken, the symptoms will subside after time.  Most asthma attacks occur at night, although an asthma attack can occur at anytime (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book "Asthma" 933).

            An asthma attack is known to be caused by an allergy.  Exposure to allergens will trigger an asthma attack.  The most common allergens are dust mites, pollen, animal fur or dander, and feather pillows.  The only way to prevent an attack caused by an allergy is to avoid the allergen (Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial").

            In addition to allergies, there are many unknown causes for an attack.  Vigorous exercises, like running or aerobics, can cause an asthma attack.  Stress also tends to trigger an attack.  It is not known why these things cause an asthma attack, but the tendency is great (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book “Asthma" 466-467).

            Even though the cases of asthma have increased forty percent since 1982, still little is known about the lung condition (Microsoft Encarta "Asthma, Bronchial").  With immuno-therapy and medication, asthma is not as life threatening as in the past; however, since allergies, stress, and exercise all can cause an attack, the asthma sufferer must