Effect of obesity on clinical presentation and response to treatment in asthma

Anne E. Dixon*, David M. Shade, Rubin I. Cohen, Gwen S. Skloot, Janet T. Holbrook, Lewis J. Smith, John J. Lima, Hooman Allayee, Charles G. Irvin, Robert A. Wise

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

130 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obesity is a risk factor for being diagnosed with asthma, but there is conflicting evidence on whether obesity is a risk factor for lung function abnormalities characteristic of asthma. We studied a cohort of 488 subjects, 47% of whom were obese. Obese and non-obese subjects with asthma had similar airflow limitation and bronchodilator responsiveness, but obese participants had increased sleep disturbance and gastroesophageal reflux disease, higher cytokine levels, and a trend towards increased exacerbations when treated with theophylline. Obese and non-obese asthmatics have similar lung function abnormalities, but comorbidities and altered responses to medications may significantly affect asthma control in obese people.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)553-558
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Asthma
Volume43
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2006

Funding

Supported by the American Lung Association and grant K23 RR019965. ∗Corresponding author: Anne E. Dixon, M.D., Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Patrick 204, Fletcher Allen Health Care, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401; E-mail: [email protected]

Keywords

  • Asthma
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Obesity
  • Spirometry
  • Theophylline

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Immunology and Allergy

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