Obesity and asthma
Pranab Baruwa1, Kripesh Ranjan Sarmah
1Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, India.
Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society
|May 11, 2013
Summary
Millions suffer from asthma and obesity, with rising rates globally. Research is exploring the link between these conditions to improve patient management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Asthma affects 300 million globally, projected to reach 400 million by 2025.
- Obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m(2), impacts a significant population.
- The co-occurrence of asthma and obesity presents a growing public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between asthma and obesity.
- To understand how managing obesity may impact asthma symptoms.
- To identify obese asthma patients as a distinct group requiring tailored management.
Main Methods:
- This study focuses on the existing literature and epidemiological data regarding asthma and obesity.
- Analysis of Body Mass Index (BMI) classifications for overweight and obesity.
- Review of current management strategies for asthma in obese individuals.
Main Results:
- A significant correlation exists between asthma prevalence and obesity rates worldwide.
- Obesity is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to asthma severity and management challenges.
- Further research is needed to establish the impact of weight management on asthma control.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between asthma and obesity warrants further investigation.
- Obesity management may offer a novel therapeutic approach for certain asthma patients.
- Recognizing obese asthma patients as a special category is crucial for effective treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-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...
Asthma 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...
Asthma-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:
Obesity
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Asthma-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
Asthma: 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.

