What Is the Role of Heredity on Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects 20 million individuals in the U.S., according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). There is no cure for asthma, which can be inherited. However, with proper treatment, you can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Function

• With asthma, the airways in your lungs can become narrowed or blocked. This can make it difficult for you to breathe.

Significance

• Asthma can be triggered by irritants, allergies or emotional factors like stress or excitement.

Considerations

• Your chances to inherit asthma can depend on genetic factors. For instance, you have a 1 in 3 chance to inherit asthma if one parents has the condition and a 7 in 10 chance if both parents have it, according to AAFA.

Symptoms

• Although you may inherit asthma, symptoms may no appear for years. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing.

Genes

• Factors, like specific genes, environmental factors and exposure to triggers must be present to inherit asthma, according to AAFA.