Is Asthma An Autoimmune Disease?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) asthma affects over 235 million people with an estimated 383000 deaths every year. The condition is characterized by recurrent wheezing coughing chest tightness shortness of breath. While asthma is not an autoimmune disease recent studies have suggested that it may have some autoimmune components.

What Is an Autoimmune Disease?

An autoimmune disease develops when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues organs. In a healthy body the immune system helps to fight off foreign substances such as viruses bacteria toxins. However in autoimmune diseases the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells causing inflammation tissue damage. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis lupus multiple sclerosis psoriasis.

The Relationship Between Asthma Autoimmunity

While asthma is not considered a classic autoimmune disease it shares some similarities with autoimmune conditions. Asthma is caused by an overactive immune response to environmental triggers such as pollen dust air pollution. This response causes inflammation in the airways leading to asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that the immune response in asthma involves cytokines immune cells that are also involved in autoimmune diseases. Additionally some people with asthma may have other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or Type I diabetes.

The Role of Autoimmunity in Severe Asthma

Severe asthma is a type of asthma that is difficult to control with traditional treatments such as inhalers oral medications. In some cases severe asthma may be caused by an autoimmune component. Recent research has shown that patients with severe asthma have higher levels of certain autoantibodies that attack their own body’s tissues. These autoantibodies may cause chronic inflammation in the airways leading to severe asthma symptoms.

Treatment Options for Asthma with an Autoimmune Component

If you have asthma with an autoimmune component your healthcare provider may recommend treatments that target the immune system. Some medications such as monoclonal antibodies can block specific pathways in the immune system that cause inflammation in the airways. In severe cases immunosuppressive therapies may be used to calm down an overactive immune system.

Conclusion

While asthma is not traditionally classified as an autoimmune disease it shares some similarities with autoimmune conditions. The immune response in asthma involves cytokines immune cells that are also involved in autoimmune diseases. Additionally some people with asthma may have other autoimmune conditions. As research in this area continues targeting immune pathways may become a more effective approach to treating severe asthma. If you have asthma it’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.