Some Asthma Facts and Theories

Some Facts

• Asthma rates are increasing in the west ... 10% of children in the UK have it
  
• Asthma rate don't vary within a country, but do vary between countries, e.g., the rate of asthma is the same in the inner city and in remote country areas, i.e. its not caused by pollution.
  
• The number of deaths from asthma is greater now than before modern asthma drugs were invented.
  
• The weather affects asthma admissions to hospital.

Some (unproven) Asthma Theories

• Asthma is caused by us being too clean, and our bodies immune system over-react to harmless substances e.g. as children on farms (with more bugs) have less asthma.
  
• Asthma is caused by the over-use of antibiotics (same immune system theory as above).
  
• Asthma is caused by certain plastics, e.g. in water bottles.
  
• Asthma is caused by a virus.
  
• Selenium, Vitamin C, Fish Oil supplements help (take your pick).