What is a common cause of exercise-induced asthma in children and young athletes?

Exercise-induced asthma in children and young athletes often arises from environmental factors, particularly allergens, that they might encounter while engaging in physical activities. When these young athletes participate in exercise, particularly in outdoor settings or areas with poor air quality, they may be exposed to pollen, dust, mold, or other allergens that can trigger asthmatic symptoms.

While medications and proper warm-up routines are important in managing asthma, they are not the primary causes of exercise-induced asthma. Excessive physical activity can aggravate asthma symptoms but is not itself a direct cause; rather, the conditions under which the activity takes place play a more critical role. Therefore, the most prevalent causes of exercise-induced asthma are these environmental allergens that can provoke an asthma response during physical exertion.