Researchers are constantly trying to better understand and treat asthma, and it makes sense considering this chronic respiratory disease affects one in 12 people in the United States and causes thousands of deaths each year. On January 16, theAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) revealed it its scientific journalAnnals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology that there is no link between low birth weight and childhood asthma.
By examining data on nearly 4,000 children between January 1, 1976, and December 31, 1979, in Rochester, Minnesota, researchers determined that 6.7 percent of those born with a low birth weight and 5.4 percent of those born with a normal birth weight would develop asthma in the first six years of their lives. Based on these findings, they concluded that birth weight is not associated with asthma risk in children.
According to Dr. Hyeon Yang, the lead author of the study, asthma is the most common chronic childhood illness and a number of factors such as environment and genetics can lead to its development. As doctors continue to better understand what does and does not cause it, they can come up with more effective treatments for their patients.
“While researchers are still determining what exactly causes the disease, we do know how to effectively treat asthma in children and adults,” said Dr. Richard Weber, president of theACAAI. “It is important that those with symptoms see an allergist for proper diagnosis and treatment.”
Additionally, there are simple actions you can take in your everyday life to reduce the presence of certain triggers that may exacerbate your symptoms. You may want to consider investing in a whole house air purifier for your home and a car cabin air filter for your vehicle to help keep your asthma under control.
