Asthma is more than just a medical condition with a few symptoms; it’s a condition deeply rooted in genetics, and if your parents have it, chances are you might have it too.
Asthma isn’t a mystery in the world of genetic health conditions. According to Dr. Manav Singla, an allergist and immunologist, having a parent with asthma significantly ups your chances by three to six times compared to the average person. This suggests a strong familial link, with the likelihood of adult-onset asthma being notably higher among women.
Dr. Yasmin Hamzavi adds to this by pointing out that symptoms tend to mimic family patterns. So, when consulting patients, she often discovers a shared family history of asthma, marked by similar symptoms. Therefore, recognizing symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath is crucial, especially if there’s a family history involved.
The genetic puzzle of asthma is complex, Dr. Singla explains. Unlike some conditions that can be pinned down to a single genetic link, asthma involves multiple genes. Both your mother’s and father’s genes are capable of influencing whether or not you inherit this condition. Dr. Purvi Parikh notes that these genes aren’t just about transmitting asthma; they also affect how the body responds to allergens and regulate airway inflammation and lung structure, which increases asthma susceptibility.
Contributing to the genetic narrative is the shared environment. Families often share living spaces and behaviors, leading to common exposures to allergens and triggers like pollen and pollution. Dr. Singla emphasizes the role of environmental exposure alongside genetics.
Although genetics play a significant role, they’re not the sole factor. Dr. Hamzavi identifies a mix of other contributors such as environment, lifestyle, air pollution, and exposure to specific allergens, which can exacerbate or even trigger asthma. Factors like smoking, being overweight, and having prior respiratory infections also come into play.
Asthma risks can also vary with gender. Dr. Hamzavi explains that women are more prone to developing asthma in adulthood, often due to hormonal changes during different life stages. For men, the condition is more common in childhood. Addressing these risk factors, especially for females with a family history, can be pivotal in managing the condition.
Many individuals might only be diagnosed with asthma in their later years. Dr. Singla observes that often adults had asthma as children, but it either went into remission, or the signs weren’t recognized early on. If symptoms are emerging as one ages, it’s advised to seek professional guidance to explore effective treatment options.
The path of asthma through family lines underscores the intricate blend of genetics and environmental factors. Knowing one’s family history can be a pivotal step in managing the condition. If asthma symptoms become apparent, discussing them with a healthcare professional could lead to an effective management plan.
Source: Yahoo
