The role of genetics and other health conditions in asthma

By Shrey Velani, MD

MercyOne Des Moines Pulmonary & Critical Care

Asthma is complex chronic respiratory condition without a cure. Research continues to explore a variety causes for this condition, which makes breathing difficult and can impact your lifestyle and quality of life. Genetics may hold some answers on why a person develops asthma.

Impact of genetics and environment

Asthma is caused by a mix of your genes and your environment. Environmental risks include:

• Premature birth.
• Certain virus infection during early childhood.
• Maternal smoking during pregnancy.

There is no one gene that is responsible for asthma. Instead, there are several genes or gene complexes that can play a role when they interact with environmental factors.

An additional genetic factor of developing asthma is your sex assigned at birth.

• Asthma is more common in young boys.
• Girls are more likely to develop asthma in puberty.
• At age 40, women are more likely to develop asthma as an adult and it be more severe.

Numerous research studies have shown that children who have a parent with asthma are 25% more likely to have it as well. If both parents have asthma, the risk rises to a 50% chance. Studies involving twins have shown asthma is more likely in children with a genetically close relative with the condition.

How asthma impacts other health conditions

Asthma can worsen other chronic health conditions, like:

• Acid reflux disease.
• Obesity.
• Obstructive sleep apnea.

Healthy lifestyle can certainly help control asthma. Losing excessive weight, staying active and exercising regularly is very important. Obesity is one of the risk factors for uncontrolled asthma. When people are overweight, it can trigger acid reflux and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which also can impact respiratory health. In addition, refraining from cigarettes smoking, cannabis smoking and vaping will lead to better symptom control.

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When thinking about asthma, people can also realize benefits by paying attention to their diet. The Mediterranean Diet has been linked to lower asthma symptoms. Consuming Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to be beneficial in some studies.

Deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals can also have an impact on asthma and increase asthma symptoms.

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

Research on using supplements to make up for deficiencies have not been shown to improve symptom control.

Controlling your asthma takes an overall plan. Working with your primary care provider is an important first step in taking control of this condition.

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