Link Between Asthma and BMI: A Systematic Review
Introduction to Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that significantly impacts the health of children. Characterized by lung inflammation and heightened airway responsiveness, asthma can arise from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental pollution, infections, and exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke. As of 2011, approximately 7.1 million individuals under the age of 18 were reported to have asthma.
The Controversial Relationship Between BMI and Asthma
The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and asthma remains a debated issue. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in childhood obesity, which can lead to breathing difficulties. It is well-documented that excess fatty tissue around the chest exerts additional pressure and increases blood volume in that area, adversely affecting respiratory function.
Recent Research Findings
In an effort to clarify this relationship, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, which was published in BMC Pediatrics. The study, performed by two Iranian researchers, utilized a variety of electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest. After reviewing 2,511 articles, they identified 16 studies suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
Increased Asthma Risk in Overweight and Obese Children
The review’s findings indicated that children classified as overweight or obese were 1.64 and 1.92 times more likely, respectively, to develop asthma compared to their normal-weight or underweight peers. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the association between obesity and asthma, including hormonal influences, genetic factors, and the specific type of asthma present.
Complexity of Asthma Causation
The researchers acknowledged that asthma results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, many of which remain poorly understood. Additionally, they noted the presence of confounding factors, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic conditions.
The Need for Future Research
To enhance our understanding of the connection between BMI and asthma, further epidemiological studies are necessary to investigate the confounding factors that may influence this relationship.
Conclusion
This systematic review highlights the significant risk of asthma associated with higher BMI in children. Continued research will be crucial in unraveling the complexities of this link and informing future health interventions.
Reference
Azizpour, Y et al. (2018). Effect of childhood BMI on asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies. Available: https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12887-018-1093-z. Last accessed 18th May 2018.