Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
13:28
Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Asthma and proinflammatory conditions: a population-based retrospective matched cohort study
Hyun D Yun1, Erin Knoebel, Yilma Fenta
1Department of Medicine, Harbor Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|September 18, 2012
Summary
Asthma is linked to higher risks of developing diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD). This study highlights the need for physicians to monitor these increased risks in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma is characterized as a T-helper cell type 2-predominant condition.
- Emerging evidence suggests potential links between asthma and other inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a diagnosis of asthma and the subsequent development of specific proinflammatory conditions.
- To determine if asthma increases the risk for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and coronary heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- A population-based, retrospective, matched cohort study was conducted.
- Asthmatic patients and age- and sex-matched nonasthmatic controls were identified from Rochester, Minnesota residents (1964-1983).
- Follow-up data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models to assess risks of IBD, RA, DM, and CHD.
Main Results:
- The study included 2392 asthmatic patients and 4784 controls.
- Asthma was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (HR, 2.11) and coronary heart disease (HR, 1.47).
- No significant association was found between asthma and increased risks of inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- Asthma, despite its T-helper type 2 profile, may be associated with an increased risk of T-helper type 1-polarized proinflammatory conditions like CHD and DM.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of and address the elevated risks of DM and CHD in patients with asthma.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma