Recent medical data indicates that women are the people at highest risk of hospitalization when experiencing acute asthma attacks compared to men.
Disease nature and gender differences regarding acute asthma attacks
Asthma is a chronic allergic respiratory disease that leads to the narrowing of the bronchi and airways, accompanied by increased mucus secretions and muscle contraction. This condition manifests as frequent coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, symptoms that often worsen during physical exertion or throughout the night.
There is a disparity in how this disease affects different genders, noting the following:
- Asthma is more prevalent among women.
- Women have a higher probability of experiencing severe attacks compared to men.
- An evaluation of records from 2,000 emergency department patients showed that women were 60% more likely to be hospitalized than men.
This result remained consistent even when accounting for other factors such as weight, smoking, adherence to visiting an asthma and allergy specialist, or the use of controller medications like inhaled steroids.
Why women are among the people at highest risk of hospitalization
The exact reasons for this disparity remain unclear, but researchers are studying several hypotheses, including:
- Sex hormones: Fluctuations in estrogen levels in women may trigger bronchial inflammation, which manifests as disease symptoms.
- Airway response: There may be differences in the degree of bronchial hyperresponsiveness between males and females.
Tips for preventing severe attacks
To avoid reaching the emergency stage, those with asthma, especially women, should follow these guidelines:
- Strictly adhere to the medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Stay away from all known asthma and allergy triggers.
FAQ
Who are the people at highest risk of hospitalization when suffering from asthma?
Women are the group most at risk; they are 60% more likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to men after receiving emergency treatment.
What are the symptoms of acute asthma attacks?
Symptoms include shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and wheezing during breathing, which often worsen at night or during exertion.
Do hormones affect asthma conditions?
Yes, some studies suggest that changes in estrogen may cause bronchial inflammation and the appearance of symptoms.
When to visit a doctor immediately?
You should go to the emergency department or consult a doctor if the following signs appear:
- Severe difficulty breathing that does not improve with usual medications.
- A sudden and acute increase in coughing or wheezing.
- Inability to speak in full sentences due to shortness of breath.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team