Researchers have long known that there is a link between asthma and obesity, but haven't been able to uncover the reason. However, according to a press release published on Saturday, December 15, a team of doctors at Boston Children's Hospital recently conducted a study that uncovers previously unknown data regarding this link.
By observing obese and non-obese mice, the team found that the former were more likely to develop conditions like airway hyper-reactivity that are commonly associated with asthma. They learned that "obesity appeared to alter the innate immune system — the body's first responder to infection — in several ways to cause lung inflammation," states the source.
"Since it's been a puzzle to understand why obesity predisposes people to asthma, our goal was to find the connection between these two problems, which occur in both children and adults and to explore possible new treatments," explained Dr. Dale Umetsu, one of the leaders of the study, in a press statement.
Thanks to the results of the study, Dr. Umetsu says that he and his team have a better understanding of the types of medications that may or may not work on obese asthma patients.
It's always exciting to hear that the medical community is making advances in the treatment of asthma. If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffers from this chronic respiratory disease, the good news is that there are simple changes you can make around your house to keep symptoms at a minimum. Consider investing in hypoallergenic bedding or an allergen air purifier from the Allergy Be Gone website.
