Asthma is a long-term lung condition that causes your airways to narrow and fill with mucous. Common symptoms of this include wheezing, coughing, and tightening in the chest. While a person’s environment often triggers asthma, there are other causes. It causes us to ask, is asthma hereditary?
Is asthma genetic or environmental?
Genes are inherited “units” passed from a parent to their child. These units can be eye color or blood type, but they can also be health conditions that you or your close family may suffer from. A genetic predisposition simply means that they have an increased risk of developing a disease based on their family history. In other words, it runs in your family.
In some cases, asthma is a genetic condition. Children with at least one parent with asthma have a 25% chance of developing asthma at some point in their lives. Another study was done that showed that genes played a huge role in asthma development. It stated that genes account for 70% of a person’s risk of getting the disease.
The risk of developing asthma is not limited to genes. Another important factor is a person’s environment. These could include strong cleaning products, cigarette smoke, mold, and pollution, to name a few.
Since asthma is a complex disease, it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint precisely why a person develops it. However, genetics and environmental factors play a considerable part in asthma development.
What genes cause asthma?
Just because your parents have asthma does not necessarily mean that you will get asthma at some point in your life. While your genes play a role in asthma, there is no specific “asthma gene.” This is what makes the disease so complex.
In 2010, there was a large study made on asthma and genetics. In this study, scientists identified some gene complexes that may cause childhood or adult-onset asthma when interacting. A person’s environment will further increase this risk.
Does gender increase your chances of developing asthma?
Gender does increase the risk for asthma. It was found that pre-pubescent boys were at higher risk of developing asthma, while girls were more at risk after puberty.
Once in their 20s, women and men have equal risk. However, when in their 40s, women are once again at higher risk for asthma development.
Can genetic asthma be prevented?
Your environment influences asthma, so if you have a genetic predisposition to it, consider carefully maintaining your environment. Some common environmental risk factors include:
- Allergens
- Smoking
- Occupational exposure to irritants
- Prolonged respiratory infections
- Obesity
- Exposure to mold
- Stress
- Cold air
These irritants make small bronchial tubes and passages inflamed. This may trigger preexisting asthma or even cause you to develop it.
While genetics cause asthma in many cases, your exposure to environmental factors will also increase your risk. Asthma cannot be cured; however, taking care of your body and avoiding environmental irritants will lower your risk of developing asthma.
Fast Access to Healthcare Professionals
Asthma is best managed alongside a healthcare professional. A great way to do that is to consult UBERDOC. With UBERDOC, you can quickly and easily set up a consultation to find out how severe your issues are. This is a quick and convenient way to establish the best course of action. UBERDOC allows you to get the care you need quickly and affordably. We offer in-person and telemedicine appointments, ensuring you have access to the healthcare you need, no matter how busy or restrictive your day is. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how UBERDOC can help you!
