- You are here:
- Home
- Health
- Health information
- Health news
- October 2009
- Reaction to asthma medicines linked to genes
Reaction to asthma medicines linked to genes
8 October 2009: Genes may increase medicine-associated asthma attacks in children, say UK researchers.
Some commonly prescribed asthma medicines, such as salmeterol and albuterol, may interact with certain genes to cause asthma attacks, according to a new study.
Over 1,000 people aged between three and 22 took part in this four-year Scottish study. The researchers looked at whether the effect of certain asthma medicines varied in young people with different genetic make-ups.
They found that some young people with a particular gene called Arg16 were more likely to have an increase in their asthma symptoms after taking the medicines.
However, the Arg16 gene doesn’t necessarily affect all young people taking asthma medicines so there may be other factors involved. In addition, the people in the study were all of Caucasian origin so these findings are not reflective of the whole population.
The researchers saw that disjointed messages are sent between the Arg16 gene and body chemicals which may help show the differing responses to asthma medicines.
Genetic testing may help to identify which people could react to the asthma medicines. In the future this may help when prescribing treatments, but this type of test is a long way off. However, a genetic test may not give a conclusive result as many factors are involved.
Dr Sneh Khemka, Bupa International’s medical director, said: “This study highlights some avenues of future research to look at why some people respond to asthma medicines well and others don’t.
“Only people under 22 took part in this study so the findings can’t be applied to all adults.
“I do advise caution when reading this research. These medicines help many people control their asthma symptoms and can be lifesaving.
“If you are concerned that your child’s asthma symptoms or your own are not being controlled or are exacerbated by asthma medicines, you should visit your doctor. There are other medicines available if salmeterol and albuterol don’t work well and can be given as an alternative.”
Key facts
-
300 million people have asthma worldwide.
-
Asthma causes inflammation and tightening of the airways in the lungs. This leads to symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing and coughing.
-
Salmeterol and albuterol are Beta2 (β2) agonist medicines that relieve asthma symptoms by helping to open the airways.
-
Salmeterol is used long-term to help prevent symptoms.
- Albuterol (also called salbutamol) is used to help treat symptoms when you have an asthma attack
Contact us
-
To discuss your needs, please call us on:
+44 (0) 1273 718 306
Upcoming treatment?
Please call our Medical Centre on:
+44 (0) 1273 333 911
We will check your cover and talk through any concerns you have