Health Risks Asthma
Based on your genetics, your genetic predisposition for Asthma is
What does this mean?
Your genotypes indicate that you have a typical risk for asthma.
How Is Your Genetic Risk Calculated?
4.57
This result is based on the SNPs(single nucleotide polymorphism)that are associated with Asthma.
Risk Factors Can Influence The Risk of Developing Asthma
Genetics are NOT the only risk factor for Asthma.
Asthma is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors. Now that you have learnt about your genetic risk, you can determine how aggressively you need to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
The earlier in your life that you commit to living a healthy lifestyle, the more you can reduce your risk for or delay the development of Asthma.
Air Pollution
Exposure to the main component of smog (ozone) raises the risk of asthma. Individuals who grew up or live in urban areas have a higher risk of asthma. Certain household aerosols-containing chemicals, such as deodorants and insecticides, can contribute to the irritation of the lung.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke irritates the airways. Smokers have a high risk of asthma. Those whose mothers smoked during pregnancy or who were exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have asthma.
Allergies
Having an allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or allergic rhinitis (hay fever), is a risk factor for developing asthma.
Viral Respiratory Infections
Respiratory problems during infancy and childhood can cause wheezing. Some children who experience viral respiratory infections go on to develop chronic asthma further into adulthood.
Family History
If you have a parent with asthma, you are 3 to 6 times more likely to develop asthma than someone who does not have a parent with asthma.
Suggested Lifestyle Changes
Dietary Recommendations:
- Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, which are seen to have a positive impact on asthma risk and asthma control in children and adults.
- Having asthma increases your risk of having a food allergy. Therefore it is important to avoid allergy-triggering foods. Allergic food reactions can also trigger asthma symptoms. In certain people consuming allergy-causing food after a workout can also lead to asthma symptoms.
- People with severe asthma may have low levels of vitamin D. Dietary intake of vitamin D from milk, egg, fish such as salmon, and exposure to the sun to increase levels of vitamin D will be beneficial.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Avoid exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and mold.
- Stay away from cigarettes and other forms of smoke, strong odors, and perfumes which can trigger an asthma attack or increase asthma risk.
- Avoidance of smoking during pregnancy and in the early postpartum period are strongly encouraged to reduce the risk of early childhood wheezing.
- If you are prone to asthma attacks, always have asthma medication to counter sudden asthma attacks. Immediately consult a medical professional in severe asthma events.
Exercise Recommendations:
- Moderate aerobic exercise may improve respiratory efficiency and inflammatory response which reduces the risk and severity of asthma. Brisk 20 minutes walks, cycling, swimming, and sports can be incorporated.
- Gradually increase the intensity of swimming and cycling to improve respiratory performance.
- Swimming is highly beneficial due to its warm and humid environment which does not provoke asthma flare-ups.
Result Explanation Recommendations:
- Ginkgo biloba can slow down the progression pathway of Alzheimers disease. Daily recommended intake is 120mg orally.
- DHA and EPA are the major sources of Omega-3. Higher omega-3 intake are shown to give lower risk of Alzheimers disease as compared to those who consume lesser omega-3 in their diet. Daily recommended intake for omega-3 is around 125ml orally.
- Vitamin E is found to be modestly useful to protect from brain degeneration that leads to Alzheimers disease. No exact daily recommended intake for Vitamin E but it should not exceed 800 units per day.