Over 300 million people around the world live with asthma, a chronic condition that causes airways to become inflamed and obstructs airflow to the lungs, often causing shortness of breath and wheezing.  Diagnoses of asthma have surged over the past 25 years in most developed countries.  Each day, 11 people die from the disease in the United States.

In light of this pressing situation, the New York-based American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) issued a report recently examining asthma from every angle.  Based on a technical paper authored by Columbia University pulmonologist Dr. Emily DiMango, the report -- Asthma: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment -- covers possible risk factors, cutting-edge treatments, and the most common triggers of an asthma attack.

"This report is essential reading for those living with and managing asthma, as well as for all who are interested in the science behind one of the world’'s most common chronic conditions," said ACSH President Dr. Elizabeth Whelan.

While many risk factors are suspected to contribute to the development of asthma, doctors have yet to understand all the factors that cause the disease. 

Dr. DiMango makes the case that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, especially maternal smoking during pregnancy and parental smoking during childhood, greatly increases a child's risk of developing asthma.  She also explains the role genetics is thought to play in the development of the disease and outlines what respiratory irritants may put people at risk, especially in the workplace.

Just as importantly, Dr. DiMango outlines the alleged risk factors you don't need to worry about, such as exposure to pets and breastfeeding.  The report explains the science behind theories that are still being investigated as well, most notably the hygiene hypothesis: the idea that exposure to microbes during early life actually helps strengthen the immune system and cuts the risk of asthma.