Workers in these industries and others, including farmers, hair dressers, and those who work in the garment industries, are at risk for asthma. Studies have been conflicting over whether professional drivers are at increased risk. People who develop occupational asthma may experience asthmatic symptoms for years, even after avoiding the harmful agents, although improvement occurs over time in most people who leave such jobs. In both adults and children, the incidence of obesity has been increasing in parallel with the rise in asthma over recent years. One study reported a strong association between the two conditions, but it is not clear if one causes the other.
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. All rights reserved.