New findings on asthma

People at high risk for genes for asthma develop the disease at an early age, according to Health24 on July 1.

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Previous studies found that many genes increase the risk of asthma. New research wants to understand the combined effects of these genes .

Asthma reduces the quality of life - (Photo: Shutterstock)

The team followed 880 people in New Zealand since their birth in 1972 and 1973.

They found that those at high risk for the gene for asthma developed the disease since they were younger than those with less genetic risk for asthma.

People with asthma at an early age are also more likely to develop asthma when they are older. They also have more allergies and are more likely to develop lung function problems.

The study helps to better understand asthma and provides data for developing ways to prevent and treat the disease, says Daniel Belsky of Duke's Institute of Duke's Genetic and Policy Institute, USA. who conducted the study.

The study was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.