What are the risk factors for an asthma attack?

Although anyone may have an asthma attack, it most commonly occurs in the following persons:

• children by the age of 5
• adults in their 30s
• adults older than 65
• people living in urban communities

Other factors include the following:

• family history of asthma
• personal medical history of allergies

Children most susceptible to asthma attacks include the following:

• children with a family history of asthma
• children who have allergies
• children who have exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke