What could be causing stage I hypertension in an 8-year-old girl undergoing treatment for asthma?

In the context of an 8-year-old girl undergoing treatment for asthma, medications are a plausible cause of stage I hypertension. Certain medications commonly used in asthma management, particularly systemic corticosteroids and some bronchodilators, can lead to increased blood pressure. Corticosteroids, for example, can cause fluid retention and increased sodium levels, which may contribute to hypertension. Additionally, some bronchodilators can lead to increased heart rate and peripheral resistance, thus raising blood pressure.

While other factors such as obesity, genetic predisposition, and lack of physical activity can also contribute to hypertension, the direct link to hypertension due to specific asthma medications makes that option particularly relevant in this scenario. This emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood pressure in pediatric patients who are on long-term medication regimens for chronic conditions like asthma.