Parental Migraines and Childhood Asthma . Some studies have reported a link between childhood asthma and parental migraines, with one small 2000 study suggesting that children are about five times more likely to develop asthma if their parents have a history of migraines. Obesity and Weight Loss . In both adults and children, the incidence of obesity has been increasing parallel to the rise in asthma over recent years. Studies report a strong association between the two conditions, and there is some evidence that losing weight can relieve asthma symptoms.
Some experts suggest that excess weight pressing on the lungs can cause a hyperreactive response.
Others believe that asthma itself inhibits physical activity, which in turn produces weight gain, although a 2000 study found no difference in physical activity between people with or without asthma. Another 2000 study suggested that many obese people may be misdiagnosed as having asthma when in fact they are simply short of breath, possibly because of the increased effort required for breathing. In any case, weight loss in anyone who is obese and has asthma or shortness of breath reduces airway obstruction and improves lung function. Mental Health . Research indicates that poor mental health of parents and children are significant predictors of more severe symptoms in childhood asthma.