Bidirectional relationships between depression and asthma

Both asthma and depression are common diseases that significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality worldwide.

This review was conducted through PubMed as a search engine and discusses the similarities with respect to epidemiology, contributing factors and disease pathogenesis for both depression and asthma. The goal of this review was to assess the available evidence on the links between asthma and depression. These diseases share common epidemiologic characteristics including an increased prevalence in higher income countries, and each is an independent risk factor for development of the other. They share common risk factors including genetic, maternal, and socioeconomic factors. Common pathophysiologic mechanisms in asthma and depression include similar cytokine signaling pathways. Despite the striking similarities in terms of epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiologic pathways, few studies have investigated the effects of treating depression on asthma outcomes. The intersection between asthma and depression is remarkable and the available literature suggests treatment of co-morbid depression may improve asthma outcomes. Further investigation into the treatment of depression in asthma is warranted.

Understanding the connection between depressive symptoms and asthma is important for improving asthma outcomes. High-quality studies assessing anti-depressant therapy in those with asthma and depressive symptoms are needed.