Effect of Obesity on Clinical Presentation and Response to Treatment in Asthma

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.

Keywords:

• asthma
• obesity
• spirometry
• theophylline
• gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abbreviations
ALA-ACRC:	=	American Lung Association-Asthma Clinical Research Centers
ASUI:	=	Asthma Symptom Utility Index
BMI:	=	body mass index
CRP:	=	C-reactive protein
FEV1:	=	forced expiratory volume in one second
FVC:	=	forced vital capacity
GERD:	=	gastroesophageal reflux disease
IL6:	=	interleukin 6
LODO:	=	“Effectiveness of Low Dose Theophylline as Add-on Treatment in Asthma”