MedicareWell

Subscribe

Is Asthma Genetic? Explore Causes & Family History Risks

  • livewell
  • Noah Bennett

What is Asthma?

Generally, a question arises: Is Asthma genetic?

Image Ad

Asthma is a lung disease. This condition occurs when mucus fills the person’s airways causing blockage, narrowing, and inflammation of airways. Asthma is also known as Bronchial Asthma. Normally, when a person breathes the muscles surrounding airways relax, thus allowing air to move easily and quietly. However, during an asthma attack, a person experiences the following things.

Bronchospasm

Bronchospasm occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten. This tightening results in the narrowing of the airways. Thus, air cannot move freely and easily.

Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when the lining of the airway swells. Moreover, this results in difficulty in letting air in or out of the lungs.

Production of Mucus

During an asthma attack, a person’s body produces more mucus. Additionally, this thick mucus results in clogging the airways.

What are the types of Asthma?

Is Asthma Genetic

Some common types of asthma are:

Allergic Asthma

An allergy can trigger an asthma attack. For instance, allergens like dust, molds, etc. can cause asthma attacks.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Factors like respiratory infections, stress, exercise, etc. can also trigger an asthma attack.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

Physical activities and exercises can trigger an asthma attack. Additionally, the weather condition influences exercise-induced asthma.

Occupational Asthma

Allergens or irritants can trigger asthma. This is known as Occupational Asthma.

Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome

This is a combination of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This results in difficulty breathing.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Some of the symptoms are:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Chest pain.
  • Chest tightness.
  • Wheezing.

What are the Risk Factors of Asthma?

Is Asthma genetic?Is genetic reasons is associated with asthma’s risk.Let’s discuss the common risk factors of asthma are:

Gender

There is more occurrence of childhood asthma in boys than in girls. The reason is unknown; however, some experts believe that the male airway size is smaller than females. Thus, increasing the risk of wheezing and infections. By 20 years, the boy’s ratio to the girl’s is equivalent. At 40 years, the female ratio is comparatively higher than the male ratio.

Family History

The person’s genetic makeup can increase asthma’s risk.

Allergies

Allergies are linked to asthma. Different studies have proven that allergies can trigger asthma. For instance, one study reported the role of endotoxins in triggering asthma symptoms.

Environmental Factors

Environmental conditions play a crucial role in triggering asthma. Air pollution, ozone depletion, high humidity, etc. can trigger asthma. For instance, sulfur dioxide is a component of smog and it irritates and tightens the airways.

Obesity

An obese person can get asthma. Different studies gave evidence that the heavy weight of a person can trigger asthma.

Is Asthma Genetic?

Is Asthma Genetic

Different researchers answer the query “Is Asthma genetic”. They believe that Asthma is genetic. An individual with a family history of asthma is more likely to get affected. For instance, if one of the parents has asthma, there is a 25% chance that an offspring will have asthma too. However, if both parents have asthma the chances increase to 50%.Let’s discuss in detail “Is Asthma genetic”.

Asthma Genetics and Genetic causes of Asthma

Different genetic research identifies the role of genes in the development of asthma. Moreover, specific genes and genetic markers have significant associations with asthma. Both genetic and environmental factors influence asthma development. The interaction between genes and environmental factors triggers asthma and its severity. Additionally, epigenetic alterations also have an impact on asthma development. Epigenetic changes are modifications in the expression of genes without altering their nucleotide sequences.

Furthermore, some genes associated with asthma are:

TGFβ-1

Alteration in TGFβ-1 increases the risk of asthma.

ADAM33

This gene plays a role in lung development. Changes in ADAM33 can cause asthma and other respiratory disorders.

IL-4

IL-4 stimulates the production of immunoglobulin E antibodies. The immune system fights against allergens by producing antibodies. The changes in IL-4 can lead to asthma.

ORMDL3

ORMDL3 is strongly associated with asthma. It results in a high level of IgE antibodies.

HLA-DQ(A1/B1)

Mutations in this gene can lead to late-onset asthma.

Filaggrin

Mutations in these genes not only increase the risk of skin diseases but also increase asthma risk.

IL1RL1

Interleukin 1 Receptor-like 1 can cause asthma by mediating immune responses. It activates TH2 cells and produces cytokines, thus contributing to inflammation of airways and hyperresponsiveness, which are the key characteristics of asthma. Genetic changes in this gene increase asthma risk.

IL33

It is a cytokine that plays an important role in asthma.IL33 promotes Th2 activation and recruitment. Furthermore, this causes inflammation and hyperresponsiveness.

SMAD3

This is a signaling molecule. Mutations in SMAD3 increase asthma risk.

Several genes contribute to inflammation, lung function, and immunity. The mutations in these genes lead to dysregulated immune responses, hyperresponsiveness, and airway remodeling. Furthermore, these mutations contribute to the earlier or late onset of asthma.

From above mentioned content, it is now clear that is asthma genetic.

Is Asthma Hereditary?

Yes, asthma is hereditary. It runs in families. If one or both parents of a child have asthma, the child is at higher risk of developing asthma. Numerous studies provided evidence that asthma is hereditary. For instance, one study titled “Genome-wide association and functional studies identify new susceptibility loci for asthma” concluded that asthma is hereditary. It confirms that asthma can be passed on from parents to their offspring.

What are the diagnostic procedures of Asthma?

The following tests are used to diagnose asthma:

FeNO Test

This test is performed using a machine that measures the nitric oxide level in a person’s breath. It is an indication of inflammation.

Spirometry

An individual blows into spirometry, this helps measure the speed with which a person breathes in or out. Additionally, it evaluates the air quantity a person can hold in his/her lungs.

Peak Flow Test

In this test, a person blows in a device that measures the exhaling speed. Furthermore, this test is performed multiple times to evaluate any changes.

How can Asthma be treated?

Treatment of asthma involves certain medications, lifestyle changes, and managing symptoms. Some of the treatment options are:

Medications

  • Albuterol relaxes the muscles around the airways, giving quick relief.
  • Certain corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation.
  • Leukotriene modifiers like montelukast reduce inflammation and also prevent asthmatic symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

It plays a crucial role in treating asthma. One can treat asthma by avoiding and identifying allergens that can cause asthma attacks. A healthy diet and physical activities improve overall health and decrease asthma symptoms. Proper vaccination of other respiratory infections helps to reduce the risk of worsening asthma.

Bronchial Thermoplasty

It is a procedure for treating severe asthma. This procedure involves the application of heat to the inside of the airways to reduce muscular mass and prevent airway tightening.

Can hereditary Asthma be cured?

Hereditary asthma is incurable. Certain medications can manage their symptoms. The healthcare professional creates the treatment plan as per the patient’s need. Modern treatment options focus on managing the symptoms. Asthma inhalers are specifically designed for this purpose. The reliever inhaler eases the symptoms, whereas the preventer inhaler prevents the symptoms from occurring. However, in some cases a combination of both inhalers is recommended. The healthcare professional will guide the patient on how to use these inhalers.

Furthermore, in some circumstances, the healthcare professional prescribes certain medications if inhalers are not managing the symptoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asthma is a condition in which mucus fills the airways resulting in blockage, swelling, and tightening of airways. There are several types of asthma. Common symptoms are breath shortness, wheezing, chest pain, and chest tightness. The risk factors include genetics, gender, environmental factors, allergies, etc.Is Asthma genetic? Several gene mutations or polymorphisms are involved in the development of asthma. Some of these genes are TGFβ-1, IL-4, ADAM33, RMDL3, IL33, etc. Family history plays a crucial role in the development of asthma. If one or both parents have asthma it is more likely for a child to get asthma. Furthermore, asthma can be diagnosed via certain tests and devices. The treatment options for asthma include certain medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases bronchial thermoplasty.

Reach us

FAQ

Hello, What Can We Help You Find?

Are you looking for something? We are here to assist you. These are the questions
asked by our customers tell us yours.

Asthma is a lung disease. This condition occurs when mucus fills the person’s airways causing blockage, narrowing, and inflammation of airways.

Yes, asthma is hereditary. If one of the parents or both parents has asthma, a child is more likely to develop asthma.

Yes, asthma is genetic. Mutations or polymorphisms in certain genes cause asthma.

Common symptoms are breathing difficulty, chest pain and tightness, and wheezing.

The risk factors associated with asthma are gender, family history, environmental factors, obesity, and allergies.

Unfortunately, hereditary asthma can’t be treated but its symptoms can be managed.

Certain genes are linked to asthma such as TGFβ-1, IL-4, ADAM33, RMDL3, IL33, etc.

Certain medications like inhalers and lifestyle changes help to relieve asthma symptoms.



Image Ad

Hello! This is Customer Support

Feel free to contact us and we will provide you with information and guidance
Contact us

Interesting Posts

Wherever the art of Medicine is loved, there is also a love of Humanity

- Hippocrates Tweet

Related Posts

Subscribe to the mailing list to receive posts updates!

Sign up for my newsletter to see new photos, tips, and blog posts.