Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflammation and narrowing of airways, affects millions of people worldwide.

While both males and females can suffer from asthma, females are known to experience more severe symptoms and have a higher asthma prevalence rate, particularly during puberty and menopause stages. This article aims to explore the latest findings on female predominance in asthma and its underlying causes.

Female Predominance in Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases globally, affecting over 339 million people in 2020. Studies have shown that asthma prevalence rates are significantly higher in females than males of all ages.

The World Health Organization reports that asthma affects up to 10% of women in some countries compared to only 5% in males. Furthermore, women are more prone to experiencing severe asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and even death compared to men.

Hormonal Factors

Several studies have suggested that hormonal factors play a significant role in the female predominance of asthma.

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can affect immune responses, airway inflammation, and responsiveness, leading to asthma exacerbations or attacks. During the menstrual cycle, women experience hormonal fluctuations that can trigger asthma symptoms, exacerbate pre-existing asthma, or increase the risk of developing asthma.

Pregnancy, where hormonal changes are more pronounced, can also worsen or trigger asthma attacks in some women.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors like allergens, pollutants, and occupational exposures are known to aggravate or trigger asthma symptoms.

However, studies have shown that women are more susceptible to such exposures and are more likely to experience asthma exacerbations compared to men. For example, women who work in cleaning or healthcare professions are at a higher risk of developing asthma due to exposure to airborne irritants.

Additionally, women are more likely to be exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

Psychosocial Factors

Psychosocial factors like stress, depression, and anxiety can also impact asthma control and management. Studies have shown that women are more likely to experience these factors compared to men.

Stress, for instance, can lead to asthma exacerbations by altering immune responses and airway inflammation. Depression and anxiety, on the other hand, can affect adherence to asthma medication and management, leading to poor asthma control.

Gender Bias in Diagnosis and Treatment

Another factor contributing to the female predominance of asthma is gender bias in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.

Studies have shown that asthma underdiagnosis and undertreatment are more prevalent in women, particularly in those with non-allergic asthma. Women are also less likely to receive guideline-recommended asthma medications and have lower asthma-related quality of life compared to men. This gender bias in asthma care could contribute to the higher asthma burden among women.

Conclusion

Female predominance in asthma is a notable phenomenon that affects millions of women worldwide.

Hormonal, environmental, and psychosocial factors, as well as gender bias in diagnosis and treatment, are some of the contributing factors to this phenomenon. Therefore, a comprehensive and individualized approach to asthma management in women can help improve asthma control and reduce the asthma burden among females.