Естественное течение бронхиальной астмы: гендерный аспект

Published studies on gender aspects of the natural course of asthma are controversial and do not give information on gender difference of asthma. However, most studies showed a gradual increase in prevalence of asthma symptoms and morbidity in girls. Gender difference in asthma course was shown in several studies. In patients older 40 years, asthma was confirmed in women significantly more often. Female gender was shown to be an independent risk factor of non-allergic asthma. Natural course of asthma in females was more severe than in males. Gender difference is also related to a rate of hospitalization due to asthma. Hospitalizations due to asthma and need in reliever medications are more often in boys younger 12 years and in girls after puberty. This tendency maintains in adults. According to this review, one can conclude that gender difference in the natural course of asthma appears in puberty and could be explained by gender difference in anatomy of the airways and endocrine system that could lead to more prominent bronchial hyperreactivity and, as a result, worse asthma control.