Is asthma genetic? All you need to know

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the respiratory airways, which makes breathing difficult.

This article discusses asthma’s genetic and nongenetic components and the treatment options available for this condition.

Asthma and genes: What is the link?

Asthma can run in families. It has a strong genetic component, and people with specific genes may be more likely to develop the condition.

If you have a close relative, particularly a biological parent, who lives with asthma, you may be more likely to get the same diagnosis. This is not always the case, though.

Experts theorize that environmental factors, such as allergen exposure or lifestyle habits, are also at play.

Some people may develop asthma even if they have no close relatives who live with it. And other people with close relatives with asthma never develop the condition.

What causes asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. It may be different for everyone and depend on your asthma type. Experts believe a combination of factors causes asthma.

In addition to having a close relative with asthma, you may develop the condition if you live with other inflammatory diseases, like hay fever and eczema.

Other possible causes and contributing factors for developing asthma may include:

• chronic or early exposure to tobacco smoke
• food allergies
• premature birth (before 37 weeks)
• low birth weight
• biological parent’s tobacco use during pregnancy
• childhood bronchiolitis, a lung infection
• tobacco use
• viral infections
• overweight or obesity

What triggers asthma?

The primary triggers for asthma may be allergic reactions and environmental factors, including:

• exposure to tobacco smoke
• respiratory infections, such as flu or cold
• other types of smoke and pollution
• prolonged exposure to cold air
• mold and damp environments
• pet hair and dander
• exposure to fumes and other chemicals
• exposure to grain dust or flour
• intense emotions, including stress or grief
• changes in hormone levels
• recreational drugs

Recognizing and avoiding what triggers your asthma episodes may significantly reduce their frequency.

What treatments are available for asthma?

Asthma treatment may vary depending on the cause and severity of your condition. It aims to reduce and prevent the symptoms you may experience throughout the day and to relieve them when you have an asthma episode.

Inhalers are one of the most common tools for managing asthma symptoms.

You may use inhalers to breathe in medications that help prevent asthma episodes and relieve them when they occur. These medications usually consist of bronchodilators and steroids that can help open the airways and reduce the feeling of breathlessness.

Common asthma inhalers include:

• Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin): A bronchodilator that relaxes airway muscles to make breathing easier.
• Mometasone and formoterol (Dulera): A combination medication with a corticosteroid (mometasone) and a long-acting beta-agonist (formoterol) to help relax the respiratory airway muscles.
• Fluticasone (Flovent HFA): A corticosteroid that helps to manage inflammation to reduce wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing,

Your healthcare professional may also recommend injected or oral steroids, like prednisone (Rayos), if you live with severe asthma. These drugs reduce overall inflammation and offer symptom relief.

Bronchial thermoplasty is also a possibility. This procedure uses heat to stimulate the smooth muscles in the lungs so they don’t tighten as much and allow for easier breathing.

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Summary

Asthma may have a genetic component. Many people with the condition have close relatives living with it. Still, allergies and other environmental factors may also play an important role.

Although asthma runs in families, not everyone with a close relative with the condition develops it.

Common triggers for asthma episodes include dust, pollution, food allergies, and intense emotions.

Understanding what triggers your asthma flare-ups may help you manage your symptoms and reduce the frequency of asthma episodes.

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