Is Asthma Genetic?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Medically reviewed by Gregory Scherle, M.D.
More than 25 million Americans, including five million children, have asthma.
This condition can make breathing and exercise uncomfortable or more difficult. While there are various triggers of asthma, including environmental factors, how do genetics play into the condition? Let’s look at what asthma is, possible causes and how to manage it.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that leads to constriction of the airways known as bronchospasms, inflammation of the airways and increased mucus production, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness and coughing.
Triggers of asthma include:
- Allergies
- Exercise
- Stress
- Weather, especially cold temperatures
- Infections
- Smoke and pollution
Asthma can interfere with daily life, sleep and exercise. If untreated, it can be life-threatening. People can develop asthma at any point in their lives.
Is asthma genetic?
The causes of asthma are complex, but genetics play a factor. Having a parent with asthma increases the chance that a child will also have the condition by three to six times, according to the American Lung Association.
There isn’t a single gene that causes asthma, but rather multiple genes that are casually linked to asthma, according to a new study of both adult-onset and childhood-onset asthma from the University of Chicago. The research found 60% of genes associated with asthma are involved in immune and inflammatory responses. These genes interact with environmental factors such as pollution that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing asthma.
Growing up in an area with more pollution or tobacco smoke increases the likelihood of having asthma, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
People who have allergies may be more likely to have asthma. In some people with allergies, their immune system’s reaction to allergens includes inflammation and constriction in the airways and lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. A family history of allergies can likewise contribute to a higher risk of developing asthma.
How to manage asthma
People with asthma should first talk to their primary care provider (PCP) for testing, treatment options and developing an asthma action plan. The PCP may refer them to a specialist such as a pulmonologist or allergist. Early steps in the treatment plan include getting asthma under control, which can include:
- Removing triggers from the environment if possible
- Managing allergies
- Taking preventive medications
- Using quick-relief medications such as inhalers
If you have asthma, it’s important to know the symptoms and patterns of your asthma. Other ways to manage asthma include:
- Keep your inhaler with you.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a neck gaiter or balaclava during cold weather.
- If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or chest tightness, use your rescue inhaler and take deep, slow breaths.
Exercise is important to strengthen the lungs and heart and to improve lung capacity. People with asthma should talk to their PCP or specialist before exercising. Taking precautions can help those with asthma get exercise and stay safe:
- Warm up for 15 minutes before exercise, and then cooldown after the workout.
- Take breaks during exercise or activity.
- Modify your activity as needed.
- Limit exercise when there is poor air quality.
Image: Getty Images
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Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D.