Association between obesity and lung function changes by sex and age in adults with asthma

Obesity-related asthma: new insights leading to a different approach

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is a growing global health threat that significantly contributes to the burden of asthma by increasing the risk of developing asthma and exerting a distinct effect on lung function and inflammation. The treatment of obesity-related asthma is hindered by a poor response to standard asthma treatments, leading to worse asthma control. Weight loss strategies have a significant effect on asthma symptoms but are not feasible for a large proportion of patients, underscoring the need for a better understanding of the pathophysiology and the development of additional treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature focusing on pathophysiology particularly delved into nontype 2 inflammatory mechanisms, associations with the metabolic syndrome and small airway impairment. Additionally, several new treatment options are currently investigated, including biologics, weight reduction interventions, and novel antiobesity drugs.

SUMMARY

Obesity-related asthma is a highly prevalent asthma phenotype for which weight loss strategies currently stand as the most specific treatment. Furthermore, novel pharmacological interventions aiming at metabolic processes are on the way.

Asthma and Rhinitis Through the Lifespan of Nonpregnant Women

Increasingly, clinical practice guidelines advocate a precision medicine-based approach to care for asthma. This focus requires knowledge of not only different asthma phenotypes and their associated biomarkers but also sex and gender differences through the lifespan. Evidence continues to build in favor of different lifetime prevalence, clinical presentations, responses to management, and long-term prognosis of asthma. Women transition through many biological and psychosocial phases in their lives, all of which may interact with, and influence, their health and well-being. Historically, explanations have focused on hormonal effects on asthma in reproductive life, but a greater understanding of mechanisms starting before birth and changing over a lifetime is now possible, with immunologic, inflammatory, and hormonal factors playing a role. This article describes the evidence for the differences in asthma and rhinitis between men and women at different stages of life, the potential underlying mechanisms that contribute to this, and the implications for management and research. Future research studies should systematically report sex differences in asthma so that this knowledge can be used to develop a personalized approach to care, to achieve best possible outcomes for all.

Patterns of allergen sensitization in patients with asthma in Yaqui Valley, Mexico

Introduction. People who live in highly allergenic regions have a greater risk of being sensitized; therefore, these areas have a higher prevalence of mono and polysensitized patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the allergen sensitization profiles in patients with asthma in an agricultural zone in Mexico.Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in a secondary care hospital in Obregon City, Mexico. The allergen sensitization pattern profiles were analyzed through a skin prick test (SPT) in 294 patients. Data was collected before SPT: asthma control was classified according to the Global Initiative for Asthma Criteria, nutritional status was assessed with the Body Mass Index (BMI) using Quetelet's index (BMI = weight/height²), and comorbidities, asthma, and smoking habits were collected from the patients' medical records.Results. In this study, in a group of adults with asthma, the prevalence of sensitization was 77%. The most frequent categories of aeroallergens were in indoors, in zones with weeds and abundant trees. A low proportion of monosensitized patients (2%) was observed. House dust mites were the most common allergens.Conclusions. Our study describes the sensitization pattern among asthma patients. This study will help identify the panel of most common allergens in this region of Mexico, and aid in selection of specific treatment through immunotherapy.