Gender aspects and influence of hormones on bronchial asthma – Secondary publication and update

Abstract

There is good evidence for gender-specific differences in asthma regarding all affected areas, from intra-to extracellular mediators to the whole organ structure und functioning of the lung. These result from complex, in parts synergistic, in other parts opposing, effects -especially of female sex hormones, and rather protective effects of male hormones against asthma, which include effects on the cellular immune system. Additionally, there are gender differences of sociocultural origin, regarding presentation, doctor's diagnosis and treatment of asthma symptoms, as well as the undertaken coping strategies concerning the female or male patient's complaints. Taking into account gender-specific differences in asthma would contribute to improved individual diagnosis and therapies.

Association of use of cleaning products with respiratory health in a Canadian birth cohort

“…6 This damage worsens with long-term exposure, causing remodelling, reduced lung function, and increased airway reactivity and sensitivity to future exposures, including allergens. 12 Although we corroborated that boys have more childhood allergy and asthma than girls, 29 in this study we found a trend to a stronger association between use of cleaning products and outcomes in girls than boys, although this sex difference was not statistically significant. A study involving adults and children with asthma found that males had higher eosinophil and immunoglobulin E levels than females, 30 raising interest in sex-dependent biologic al mechanisms for asthma development.…”

“…A study involving adults and children with asthma found that males had higher eosinophil and immunoglobulin E levels than females, 30 raising interest in sex-dependent biologic al mechanisms for asthma development. Some researchers have postulated the role of hormones as a biological explanation for these differences, 29,31 but understanding nonhormonal biological differences can inform interventions. A 2005 study involving school children in Saskatchewan found the relation between home mould exposure and asthma to be more prominent in girls than in boys.…”

Sex and Gender Aspects for Patient Stratification in Allergy Prevention and Treatment

“…More prevalently and severely in pubescent males after puberty, there occurs a gender switch. In men aged 45 or more, increases in the risk of asthma severity and in the elderly differences related to gender diminish [48]. The MeDALL study showed an higher prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and respiratory multimorbidity in boys before puberty and a sex balanced estimated prevalence after puberty [49].…”

Risks of developing ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in relation to silica dust exposure in Sweden: a case–control study

“…This may explain the different OR values observed for men and women in this work because there appear to be gender-based differences in immune responses 33–35. These differences are not well understood but similar effects have been seen for asthma 36 37…”