Rare mutations do not explain “missing heritability” in asthma

Despite a strong suspected link between genetics and asthma, commonly found genetic mutations account for only a small part of the risk for developing the disease – a problem known as missing heritability.
Rare and low frequency genetic mutations have been thought to explain missing heritability, but it appears they are unlikely to play a major role, according to a new study led by scientists from the University of Chicago.....

Read more here: sciencelife.uchospitals.edu

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What’s different about asthma in older adults

Asthma isn’t always thought of as a condition that affects our aging population. It’s true that the condition is most prevalent among children in America compared to any other age group, but the disparity isn’t as large as one might think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9.3 percent of children have asthma compared to about 8 percent of adults. But that doesn’t mean asthma doesn’t pose serious health problems for that 8 percent— as well as other people who may be unaccounted for.....

Read more here: abreakingnews.com

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Making Sense of Medicine: Asthma can range from a nuisance to life-threatening

There are a remarkable number of awe-inspiring experiences that can leave you feeling breathless very briefly.
However, an asthma attack is not among them. Can you imagine repeatedly trying to breathe in and having your lungs so tight, so blocked that it seems like a life’s work? It’s almost as though someone were sitting on your chest. Those who suffer from asthma have this experience often.....

Read more here: newburyportnews.com