title: Obesity-related asthma in adults.
abstract: Obesity as a risk factor for asthma has been identified in previous studies. Additionally, a disproportionate number of patients with severe or difficult-to-control asthma are obese. Patients with obesity-related asthma tend to have worse asthma control and quality of life disproportionate to their pulmonary function tests, are less responsive to corticosteroid therapy, and are more likely to have obesity-related comorbidities such as obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal disease that complicate asthma treatment. With the increasing prevalence of obesity, the prevalence of asthma is anticipated to grow proportionally. Addressing weight loss and encouraging activity is essential in the management of obesity-related asthma. This article briefly overviews the epidemiology, unique distinguishing features, potential mechanisms, and approach to management of patients with obesity-related asthma in adults.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , Bethesda , MD , USA.
authors.forename: Nikunj A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Bhatt
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pulmonary Medicine , Walter Reed National Military Medical Center , Bethesda , MD , USA.
authors.forename: Angeline
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lazarus
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Asthma; lung disease; metabolic syndrome; morbid obesity; obesity; obstructive lung disease; reactive airway disease