Risk for developing asthma is dependent on a number of genetic and environmental factors. Now new evidence announced at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology suggests that kids who have a viral respiratory illness with a symptom of wheezing by age 3 are strongly predicted to have a diagnosis of asthma by age 6.

When experts speak of a factor being an "asthma predictor", they're talking about risk for asthma. Other asthma predictors are:

• Allergies
• Dog living in the house at the time of a child's birth
• Siblings with asthma
• Airborne allergen or food allergen sensitivity before age 1 year

None of the factors above were as significant as a viral wheezing illness by age 3 was, though. Learn more about the study in this video:

The most common months to contract the type of viral illnesses that cause wheezing are: September, October, March, and April. So that's right now! If your child should get one of these illnesses, don't panic. Just be aware of the increased risk for asthma down the road. Be alert for asthma symptoms and be sure to talk with your pediatrician quickly if you see them. Starting asthma treatment in a timely way will be key for keeping your child's newly-diagnosed asthma under control.